Vietnam and India’s recent decision to open their markets to fresh durian and grapes marks a strategic step toward diversifying agricultural exports and could provide fresh momentum toward the two countries’ goal of reaching $25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Agricultural trade has long been regarded as one of the most promising areas of Vietnam-India economic cooperation, but its potential remains largely untapped.
Speaking at a recent online seminar on promoting agricultural trade and market access between the two countries, Mr. Bui Trung Thuong, Vietnam’s Trade Counsellor and head of the Vietnam Trade Office in India, said agricultural cooperation would play a key role in achieving the $25 billion trade target.
A major milestone came when India opened its market to Vietnam's fresh durian on July 13, 2026, while Vietnam authorised imports of India's fresh grapes from August 1. The moves are expected to create new opportunities for businesses, growers and consumers while laying the groundwork for new agricultural supply chains.
According to Ms. Vinita Sudhanshu, Director of India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), demand for fresh fruit is strong in both markets. Indian exporters are preparing their first shipments of fresh grapes to Vietnam for the upcoming season, with trial exports expected from December, she said.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said access to the Indian market offers enormous potential for Vietnamese durian, a billion-dollar export product.
