Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India favours development as opposed to expansionism.
Reference To China
PM Modi made this obvious reference to China, in a Press statement, during the State visit of Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh.
The two leaders agreed on a plan of action to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Execution Of Action Plan
This plan will be implemented in the period between 2024 to 2028.
They jointly unveiled the e-plaque for the inauguration of Army Software Park in Nha Trang in Vietnam
What PM Modi Said?
He said, “We discussed all features of our bilateral relations and have taken many steps for the future.”
He further said that development has gained momentum in the area of defence in both countries.
The Prime Minister said, “In the past decade, our relations have expanded and deepened.”
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
He said that during this period, India and Vietnam elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Growth In Bilateral Trade
He further said, “Our bilateral trade has increased by more than 85 per cent.”
The two sides also agreed on expeditious conclusion of the review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement.
Cooperation For A Free, Open, Rules Based Indo Pacific
Modi said, “We will continue our cooperation for a free, open, rules based Indo Pacific.”
He said that Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act-East policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Vietnam’s Maritime Security And Cooperation In Other Areas
PM Modi further said that Vietnam’s maritime security will be strengthened on the basis of an agreement on $300 million.
In addition, the two countries will fortify cooperation on issues related to terrorism and cyber security.
Vietnamese PM Praises India
The Vietnamese leader said his country strongly supports India’s Act East policy and has agreed to establish an economic diplomacy dialogue.
“India played an important role in the fight against COVID-19 with four types of vaccines, from which Vietnam also benefited,’’ Pham Minh Chin said.
Cooperation In Other Fields
The central banks of the two countries will cooperate on digital payment connectivity.
For energy and port development, the two countries will use each other’s capabilities in mutual interest.
The two governments will work to link their private sector, SMEs and Start-ups.
Other MoUs
Among the MoUs signed was one on cooperation in Customs Capacity Building, agricultural research, two Dollar Credit Line Agreements amounting to $20 million.
Apart from legal field, MoUs have also been signed for cooperation in Radio and Television.
The two governments signed an MoU on cooperation in the Field of Medicinal Plants.
An MoU has been signed for Cooperation and Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.
Letter of Intent
India and Vietnam have also signed a letter of intent for the conservation and restoration of F Block in My Son, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.
Tourism Sector And Flight Connectivity
Modi said that the tourism sector is also doing well.
Modi mentioned that there are more than 50 direct flights between India and Vietnam.
Modi said that India welcomes Vietnamese tourists to its Buddhist circuit and wants the Vietnamese youth to benefit from Nalanda University.
India Welcomes Vietnam to CDRI
In addition, Modi said that India welcomes Vietnam’s decision to be included in CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure).
Vietnamese PM Praises Modi’s Leadership
The Vietnamese PM expressed the confidence that Modi’s leadership will enable India become a developed country in 2047.
He hoped that India will contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region.
Vietnamese PM Recommends Global Approach
PM Pham Minh Chinh recommended a global approach as an effective solution.
This approach must uphold multilateralism, have international solidarity and should be people-centric.
Invitation to PM Modi To Visit Vietnam
PM Pham Minh Chin also invited his host to visit Vietnam.
