Strategic Autonomy and Peace-building in Vietnam–India Relations: Revisiting the Strategic Partnership within the Indo-Pacific Architecture

The intensification of strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific compels nations to simultaneously expand partnerships and maintain autonomy in policy choices. This study analyzes Vietnam–India relations to elucidate the interplay between strategic autonomy and peace-building during the development of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Employing a qualitative case study approach, the research combines document analysis, thematic coding, and process tracing of relevant policy documents and scholarly works. The findings indicate that strategic autonomy serves as a crucial point of alignment between Vietnam and India, fostering trust and expanding cooperation without creating alliance obligations. A peace-oriented approach is demonstrated through the emphasis on sovereignty, international law, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the maintenance of an inclusive regional architecture. Consequently, the study characterizes the Vietnam–India relationship as a non-alliance strategic partnership, wherein deep cooperation coexists with each nation’s right to self-determination. This research contributes to broadening the interpretation of strategic partnerships beyond the logic of balance-of-power politics within the Indo-Pacific architecture.