PM Modi expresses grief over Vietnam President’s demise
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief at the passing of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, who passed away following a serious illness at the age of 61.
Vietnam President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, marking the formal start of his first State Visit to India. The visiting leader was received by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
The ceremonial reception featured children dressed in traditional attire waving the Vietnamese flag alongside the Indian Tricolour, adding a cultural touch to the high-level diplomatic engagement.
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PM @narendramodi at ceremonial reception of Vietnam President To Lam | @PMOIndia https://t.co/67u30qCCZf
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— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) May 6, 2026
President To Lam began his India visit on Tuesday with a stop in Bodh Gaya, where he offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple, a site of deep spiritual significance. He was welcomed in Bihar by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary before travelling to New Delhi later in the day.
At the airport, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai had received the Vietnamese leader, setting the tone for a visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties.
High-Level Meetings and Key Engagements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold wide-ranging discussions with President To Lam, covering bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues. President Droupadi Murmu will also host separate talks with the visiting leader, while other senior leaders are expected to call on him during his stay.
President To Lam, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, will remain in India until May 7.
As part of his itinerary, the Vietnamese President will also travel to Mumbai, where he is set to visit the National Stock Exchange (NSE), interact with state leadership, and participate in a business forum aimed at boosting economic cooperation.
Strengthening Decade-Old Strategic Partnership
India and Vietnam share longstanding historical and civilisational ties that have steadily evolved into a robust strategic relationship. The current visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation across sectors and open new avenues for collaboration.
Officials indicated that the engagements over the next two days will focus on consolidating gains and expanding cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.
A warm welcome to a special friend!
General Secretary, President Mr. To Lam of Vietnam, was accorded a ceremonial reception.
Received by President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn and Prime Minister @narendramodi at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/0RyxIqBUDD
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 6, 2026
Strategic Talks Gain Momentum
Ahead of the formal engagements, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called on Vietnam’s President To Lam, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Vietnam.
“NSA Shri Ajit Doval called on General Secretary, President Mr To Lam of Vietnam. They exchanged views on strengthening the multifaceted, comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Mr To Lam looked forward to his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the engagements scheduled over the next two days,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit comes at a significant juncture as both countries mark a decade of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2016.
To Lam, also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, will be in India till May 7. This is his first visit to India after being elected as the President of Vietnam last month.
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