India and Vietnam discussed common security challenges during the three-day State visit of the Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Manh Chih.
A government head from Vietnam is visiting India after a gap of eight years.
Modi Had Visited Vietnam Eight Years Ago
PM Modi visited Vietnam eight years ago when the relationship was elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership.
Both countries have agreed to further enhance defence ties which is very important pillar of the partnership.
Two lines Of Credit Agreements
He said that two lines of credit agreements amounting to US $300 million, were signed today.
This was part of the package that PM Modi had announced during his visit to Vietnam.
One of them is for coast guard ships and the other is for fast border patrol boats.
Indian Grant
He said that an Indian grant enabled the completion of the Army Software park in Vietnam.
The two leaders inaugurated the park by virtual mode.
Joint Statement And Plan Of Action
The key outcomes of the visit were a joint statement and a plan of action for implementation for the next four years.
The joint statement is on enhancing comprehensive strategic partnership and a plan of action for implementation for the next four years.
Agreements Inked
India and Vietnam also signed nine agreements in diverse areas to further broaden and deepen cooperation.
Secretary East, Jaideep Mazumdar said at a special briefing on Thursday evening that the leaders had a highly productive meeting.
India Is A Trusted Friend
He said that the visiting PM referred to India as a trusted friend.
The two Prime Ministers got an opportunity to comprehensively review the full spectrum of bilateral relations.
Vietnam’s Support To India
Vietnam also reiterated its unequivocal support for India’s permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
Vietnam also supported India for playing a greater role in world affairs.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit of the Vietnamese Prime Minister, as “ very important’’
Mazumdar said, “This was an occasion to take stock of where we are and plan road for the future.’’
Pham Manh Chih’s First Visit To India After Taking Over as PM
This was Pham Manh Chih’s first visit to India after taking over as Prime Minister of Vietnam, in 2021.
He met PM Modi three times last year but this is his first visit to India.
Business Event
The Prime Minister of Vietnam also addressed a business event.
During the visit, a community event was also held at the inauguration of new embassy building.
Ceremonial Welcome
The Prime Minister of Vietnam got a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, on Thursday.
Talks With Prime Minister, President And Vice President
He held restricted and delegation level talks and lunch with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visiting PM also called on President Draupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met the Vietnamese PM.
Talk at ICWA
He also delivered a talk on strategic policy matters at the Indian Council For World Affairs in Sapru House.
Mazumdar said, “Vietnam is one of our closest partners in the ASEAN region and a pillar of our Act East policy.’’
Civilizational Ties
He said that India and Vietnam share historic and civilizational relationship which has blossomed in many fields.
These areas include defence and security, trade and investment and in people to people contacts.
Similar Aspirations
The Vietnam 2045 vision to become a developed nation, is very similar to the Viksit Bharat 2047.
He said that Vietnamese PM referred several times to this aspect of similar ambitions.
Bilateral Trade
“ Our bilateral trade is US $ 15 billion. Both sides feel that this could be significantly increased.’’
The presence of a very large Vietnamese business delegation was a reflection of their interests in India.
India’s Act East Policy
In addition, the Secretary East said that PM reiterated that India is a key pillar in India’s Act East policy.
He drew attention to indications on early completion of procedures to enable Vietnam join the International Solar Alliance.
A Peaceful And Stable Region
The leaders reaffirmed that a peaceful, stable, secure, free, open, inclusive and rules based region, is in the common interest of all the countries.
Tourism And Flight Connectivity
The Prime Ministers underscored the importance of closer people to people exchanges with tourism booming between the two countries
He added, “ There are as many as 56 flights between the two countries.’’
Parliamentary Exchanges
The senior diplomat said that both sides also agreed to enhance Parliamentary exchanges.
Defence Industry Collaboration
Majumdar said that defence industry collaboration has emerged as a very significant area.
“ We also have an overarching approach to defence supplies for Vietnam, guided by their specific requirements,” he said.
South China Sea
Both sides discussed the importance of the South China Sea and freedom of navigation and overflight.
Discussion On Myanmar
He said that India and Vietnam also discussed about the importance of peace and security in Myanmar.
Global South
He said that PM Modi appreciated the fact that Vietnam has been supportive of the Global South.
