Hung made the proposal during talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on September 12, as part of his working visit to attend the 18th BRICS Summit and hold bilateral meetings in India.

$25 billion trade target by 2030

At the talks, the two prime ministers said Vietnam and India were among the world's fastest-growing economies, with highly complementary strengths and significant room for further cooperation.

The two leaders expressed their determination to step up measures to bring bilateral trade to $25 billion as soon as possible, while facilitating market access for goods from both countries, particularly pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, fisheries and livestock products.

To strengthen links between the two economies, the Vietnamese prime minister proposed that the two sides establish economic corridors and supply chains and consider launching negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement.

He also called on Vietnam and India to work actively with ASEAN countries to accelerate the completion of the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).

On investment, Hung said he welcomed major Indian corporations investing in Vietnam in technology, infrastructure, energy and pharmaceuticals.

In an interview ahead of the trip, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang said Vietnam wanted to attract more investment and promote large, landmark projects by Indian businesses in Vietnam, while making progress in cooperation in science and technology, innovation and artificial intelligence, areas in which India has strengths.

"The goal is for the two countries not only to trade more goods and attract more investment, but also to jointly research and develop technologies, jointly train human resources and participate more deeply in new value chains," Hang said.

The deputy foreign minister said India was becoming an important global center for growth and innovation, with a market of more than 1.4 billion people and growing scientific and technological capabilities. These strengths could complement Vietnam's development goals in the new period, she said.

Relations between the two countries were elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary and President To Lam's state visit to India in May 2026.

At the September 12 talks, the two prime ministers noted that the 2024-2028 Action Program and outcomes from To Lam's visit were being actively implemented. They agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral ties and strengthen exchanges between the leaders of the two countries.

PM Narendra Modi said Vietnam was an important pillar of India's Act East policy. He also highlighted the countries' long-standing traditional ties, historical, cultural and civilisational links, as well as similarities in their foreign policies and development visions.

Connecting technology infrastructure and new value chains

Alongside trade and investment, the two prime ministers stressed the importance of road, rail, air and maritime connectivity.

The two sides agreed to study ways to promote railway connectivity projects and establish a South Asia-Southeast Asia connectivity corridor, while strengthening links between Vietnamese and Indian seaports in connection with the Asia-Europe shipping route.

PM Hung called on India to continue increasing the frequency of direct flights between major cities in the two countries.

In science and technology, Hung called for the early development of a Vietnam-India technology connectivity strategy, focusing on key areas such as artificial intelligence and 5G/6G mobile network technology.

The Vietnamese leader also proposed cooperation programs to train engineers in artificial intelligence and semiconductors, provide digital technology training for young people, and connect startup and innovation communities in the two countries.

PM Modi expressed support for Hung's proposals and said the Indian government would continue efforts to implement measures to deepen practical cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties.

The two leaders also agreed to step up cooperation in the defence industry, military trade, training and the provision of preferential credit, and to organize the first meeting of the Foreign Affairs-Defence Dialogue mechanism soon.

The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination at regional and international forums. Hung said Vietnam supported a greater role for India in multilateral institutions, was ready to support India's cooperation with ASEAN, and hoped India would continue to strongly support ASEAN's position on the South China Sea.

Hung's visit comes in a year marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment and development of BRICS, with India holding the BRICS chairmanship in 2026. Vietnam became a BRICS partner country in June 2025.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Hang, participation in BRICS activities provides additional space for Vietnam to promote cooperation with member and partner countries, while helping diversify its markets, partners and supply chains.

During the talks, PM Hung invited PM Modi to visit Vietnam again soon. The Indian prime minister accepted the invitation and suggested that the two sides arrange a suitable time.