Prime Minister Narendra Modi accentuated Vietnam’s significance as a crucial partner in Bharat’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision during a joint statement with Vietnamese Counterpart Pham Minh Chinh at Hyderabad House on Thursday. PM Modi highlighted the strong alignment between the two nations on the Indo-Pacific region, advocating for evolution rather than expansionism.
“Vietnam is our important partner in our Act East Policy and our Indo-Pacific vision. There is good coordination between our views regarding the Indo-Pacific. We support evolution, not expansionism. We will continue our cooperation for a free, open, rules-based, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” PM Modi remarked.
Welcoming PM Pham Minh Chinh and his delegation warmly, PM Modi extended condolences over the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, noting his significant contributions to strengthening Bharat-Vietnam relations.
“In the past decade, our relations have expanded and deepened. Over the last 10 years, we have elevated our ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Our bilateral trade has increased by 85 per cent. Our cooperation has flourished in areas such as energy, technology, and development partnerships. Defence and security have got a new direction. In the last decade, our connectivity has increased, and now we have over 50 direct flights,” PM Modi stated, underlining the progress made in Bharat-Vietnam relations.
During their discussions, PM Modi and PM Pham Minh Chinh covered various areas of cooperation, laying out a roadmap for future collaboration. The development trajectories of both nations, driven by Bharat’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Vietnam’s 2045 vision, have opened new avenues for mutual cooperation.
“We have made a new Plan of Action to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. New steps have been taken for cooperation in the field of defence and security,” PM Modi noted.
The two leaders agreed on the necessity of reviewing and concluding the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement promptly to maximize trade potential. Additionally, a $300 million credit line agreement aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s maritime security was announced. The leaders also agreed to prioritise cooperation on terrorism and cyber security.
During his visit, PM Pham Minh Chinh paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, laying floral wreaths at the memorial site. He also received a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was welcomed by PM Modi with a warm embrace and inspected a Guard of Honour.
Several Indian ministers, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, and Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, were present at the event. PM Modi and PM Pham Minh Chinh met with delegates and ministers from both countries, further solidifying the strong ties between Bharat and Vietnam.
