Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the visit of Vietnam's President to India within a month of assuming office underscores the importance both nations place on their bilateral relationship. The remarks came as Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong paid a state visit to India, his first overseas trip since taking office.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
During the visit, the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Vietnam. PM Modi and President Thuong reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties, including political, economic, defense, and cultural cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
Trade and investment were high on the agenda. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing economic engagement and agreed to work towards enhancing bilateral trade volume. They emphasized the need to diversify trade and address market access issues. India and Vietnam also signed several agreements to boost cooperation in areas like information technology, digital payments, and renewable energy.
Defense and Security Collaboration
Defense and security cooperation was a key focus. The leaders committed to deepening maritime security cooperation and enhancing capacity-building initiatives. They agreed to expedite the implementation of the Line of Credit for defense projects and to conduct joint military exercises regularly.
Regional and Global Issues
PM Modi and President Thuong discussed the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based order. They also stressed the importance of the ASEAN-India partnership and agreed to work closely in multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the East Asia Summit.
The visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening the relationship between India and Vietnam, two countries that share historical and cultural ties. The Vietnamese President's decision to choose India for his first foreign visit is a testament to the depth of the bilateral relationship.
