Vietnam - India relations: Promotion of cooperation demands research inputs from scholars

TIN LIÊN QUAN
	Vietnam firms attend sixth India International Silk Fair
	Buddhist cultural exchange of Vietnam, Russia, India held in Moscow

That is the comment of Dr. N.K. Kumaresan Raja, Associate Professor at Department of Politics and International Studies – Pondicherry University (India), in an exclusive interview with The World and Vietnam Report.

What are the most significant achievements in Vietnam – India relations over the past few years, especially in the period that Vietnam took over the role of coordinator for ASEAN – India ties (2015 – 2018)?

There is no doubt that Ha Noi is emerging as a pivotal state in India’s Act East policy. Vietnam has also been India’s “Most favored nation” for more than five decades. Vietnam has about 200 ancient Hindu temples and what more to say that these are two historic and ancient partners.

Ass. Prof. Dr. N. K. Kumaresan Raja.

Vietnam and India have shared the focus on regional security issues and trade. Mutual trust, concerns emerging from the perception of rising China and a convergence of strategic interests have contributed to the deepening of ties between the two nations to the extent that Vietnam now engages India as a Comprehensive Strategic Partner. This is a clear indication that both nations value this critical partnership.

In 2015, the two countries signed a Joint Vision Statement for 2015-2020 which commits them to regular defence exchange and interaction, defense trade, training, and cooperation in the development of new technologies thereafter. A week ago, a Vietnamese coast guard vessel paid its first visit to India.

In your opinion, besides the positive results that the two countries have achieved, what are major challenges in Vietnam – India relations at present and in the future?

In my opinion, connectivity and language may be the major challenges, but they can be removed as the countries start the mechanisms of cooperation. The India – Myanmar - Thailand Highway will ease this issue once the project is completed. India with its English colonial past have a reputation for its English language potential. The same can be availed for capacity building.

What are the fields of cooperation that Vietnam and India need to further promote in the near future?

The Mekong- Ganga Cooperation signed in 2000 has been receiving constant updating from both sides (9th Meeting was held in August 2018). It speaks of promotion of cultural cooperation as well.

Academic interchange between the two countries, especially in the field of higher education, should also be promoted. India has excellent facilities and infrastructures which can be very well be beneficial to the youth of Vietnam.

In addition, traditional medical wisdom, especially the Ayuvedha system of medicines is one of the untapped resources of India which can be very well tapped. Medical tourism in India is in the raise which may be very well used.

Lastly, capacity building of civil servants is a field that should be boosted. India is the well equipped with very strong training institutions for bureaucrats. Vietnam has been deputing diplomats for training and the same could be expanded for all level civil servants. Especially, the potential for English language training can be had from India.

Ass. Prof. Dr. N.K. Kumaresan Raja was answering the queries of The World and Vietnam Report's reporter. (Photo: Hai Yen)

In your viewpoint, what can India do to contribute to solving the on-going dispute in the South China Sea?

We have to understand that the present world is interconnected with each other very closely say whether big or small. No countries can afford conflict in the present scenario. Hence bilateral dialogues, going by international norms alone could be the solution for any international disputes. There is nothing that which can not be resolved through dialogues.

Can you share something about the situation of Vietnamese studies at Indian academic institutions currently?

Indian universities do have curriculum on South East Asia and ASEAN in almost from schools to colleges. The two governments’ firm commitment towards promotion of bilateral cooperation and regional cooperation now demands research inputs from scholars working in this area. We need to collaborate at institution to institution level, especially in higher education.

Thank you so much!

* The interview reflects the opinion of Ass. Prof. Dr. N.K. Kumaresan Raja and does not necessarily represent the viewpoint of The World and Vietnam Report.

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