The official opening of bilateral markets between Vietnam and India for fresh durian and fresh grapes is a strategic step, not only resolving the agricultural market diversification equation but also creating important momentum toward the 25 billion USD trade turnover milestone by 2030…

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, against the backdrop of the Indian economy maintaining high growth rates, a population exceeding 1.46 billion people, and supply diversification trends serving the "Make in India" strategy, this market continues to open up many new opportunities for Vietnamese goods. Growth headroom remains substantial for agricultural products, spices, seafood, wood and furniture products, chemicals, rubber, electronic components, and processed food.

GREAT HEADROOM FROM THE FRUIT SECTOR'S HISTORIC "HANDSHAKE"

Agricultural trade has long been evaluated as one of the most potential-rich fields, yet remains under-exploited in Vietnam–India economic relations.

Emphasizing at the recent online webinar "Viet Nam - India Agricultural Trade and Market Access Promotion", Mr. Bui Trung Thuong, Commercial Counselor and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in India, affirmed that agricultural cooperation plays a pivotal role in the goal of bringing bilateral trade turnover to 25 billion USD by 2030.

An important milestone was marked when India officially opened its market to fresh Vietnamese durian starting July 13, 2026, and in the opposite direction, Vietnam permitted the importation of Indian fresh grapes starting August 1, 2026. These two moves open additional opportunities for businesses, production regions, and consumers of both nations, while laying the foundation to promote new agricultural supply chains.

According to representatives of specialized agencies and associations, consumption demand for fresh fruit in both markets—scaling from hundreds of millions to over a billion people—is enormous. Ms. Vinita Sudhanshu, Director of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India (APEDA), stated that alongside strengths in pomegranates, mangoes, and bananas, Indian enterprises are preparing to export the first shipments of fresh grapes to Vietnam in the upcoming season (tentatively scheduled for trial runs starting December 2026).

Opening the market to Indian fresh grapes in Vietnam is considered an important opportunity for enterprises of both countries to enhance trade, step-by-step establishing stable supply relations between Indian exporters and Vietnamese importers and distributors.

In reverse, Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, assessed that penetrating the Indian market opens up exceptionally vast headroom for durian—a billion-dollar export commodity of Vietnam.

THE STANDARDIZED TECHNICAL, QUARANTINE, AND LOGISTICS EQUATION

Although opportunities are expanding greatly, turning potential into stable trade flows requires businesses on both sides to overcome many strict technical barriers. Dr. S. Gnanasambandan, representative of India's National Plant Protection Organization, noted to Vietnamese enterprises the system of 73 plant quarantine stations in India along with strict licensing and quarantine procedures via the electronic PQMS system. Accordingly, Vietnamese enterprises must fully satisfy quarantine requirements, technical dossiers, and phytosanitary certificates prior to export.

At the webinar, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Anh and Ms. Pham Thi Xuan, representatives of the Department of Crop Production and the Plant Protection Department of Vietnam, also discussed in detail Vietnam's import procedures for fresh durian and grapes, helping enterprises proactively satisfy quarantine standards and minimize risks during customs clearance.

From the local and farming region perspective, Mr. Bien Tan Tai, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Lam Dong Province, stated that India's opening of the durian market creates more opportunities for local enterprises to diversify export markets. He concurrently affirmed that the province will focus on supporting enterprises in standardizing raw material areas, packaging facility codes, and origin traceability to satisfy strict standards from the Indian market; as well as enhancing connections with Indian importers and distributors.

Beside technical factors, transport infrastructure is considered a vital "link" for fresh fruit. Mr. Pham Son Tung, Vice Chairman of HG Invest, analyzed that fruit is a commodity with very high requirements regarding timelines and preservation conditions. Therefore, optimizing logistics supply chains, especially expanding air freight capacity and cold storage systems, will directly decide the quality and competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in India.

Opening markets is merely a necessary condition; the sufficient condition for sustainable trade is the proactive networking of the business communities of both nations. Mr. Ajoykaant Ruia, Chairman of the India - Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IVCCI), emphasized the bridging role of trade promotion organizations in translating government-level agreements into practical commercial contracts.

Currently, the Indian Grape Exporters Association has proposed a plan to organize B2B matchmaking programs with Vietnamese importers, supermarket chains, and retail agents as early as November 2026. Conversely, Vietnamese enterprises are also actively clearing distribution bottlenecks and promoting the brand image of durian in this South Asian market.

Accompanying businesses, the Vietnam Trade Office in India commits to continuing close coordination with regulatory agencies and associations on both sides to update market information and facilitate B2B trade. Comprehensive efforts across production, quarantine, logistics, and distribution promise to transform agricultural products into a practical pillar, contributing to bringing Vietnam–India trade turnover to the 25 billion USD mark by 2030.

Source: VnEconomy