Vietnam’s Responses to India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiatives and Opportunities for Vietnam–India Maritime Cooperation in the South China Sea

Abstract

The geostrategic, political and military position of the Indo-Pacific region has become increasingly important to major countries, in terms of influence and opportunities for developing cooperation and strategic restraints. India is a rising power gaining more influence in the region, and the Indo-Pacific vision initiated by Prime Minister Modi is a move to assert its greater position and role in the region. In that vision, India actively raises issues related to the South China Sea (SCS) in its foreign affairs as well as conducts capacity support for littoral countries. In this context, Vietnam is putting its great attention to the policy moves and stance of India towards the region, as well as the SCS, and is taking advantage of India’s policy to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and India, especially in the SCS. The prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the future will surely be expanded further when both countries understand each other’s policies and needs.