On Thursday, India and Vietnam signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral relations and regional cooperation. The signing took place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh, who is currently on a three-day state visit to New Delhi. This followed discussions between the two leaders in the capital to further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between their nations.

Addressing the press meeting following the signing of the MoUs, PM Modi welcomed Chinh and highlighted that India's relationship with Vietnam has strengthened, evidenced by an 85 percent increase in bilateral trade and improved connectivity.

During his discussions with his Vietnamese counterpart, they explored all areas of mutual cooperation to develop a future roadmap. The MoUs covered enhancing the comprehensive partnership, cooperation in customs capacity building, radio and television, agriculture, credit line agreements, and more.

"We believe that development has gained momentum in both countries due to India's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision and Vietnam's 2045 vision. This has opened up many new areas of mutual cooperation and therefore, today we have made a new Plan of Action to further strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," PM Modi said.

The Indian Prime Minister announced a $300 million credit line to bolster Vietnam's maritime security, with an increased emphasis on counter-terrorism and cyber security. Additionally, the two leaders agreed to review and expedite the conclusion of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement to enhance mutual trade potential.

"Buddhism is our shared heritage, which has connected the people of both countries at a spiritual level. We invite people from Vietnam to the Buddhist circuit in India. We want that the youth of Vietnam should also take advantage of Nalanda University," he further remarked. 

Touting Vietnam as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific, PM Modi said, "There is a good agreement between our views regarding the Indo-Pacific. We support 'Vikaswaad', not 'Vistarwaad'. We will continue our cooperation for a free, open, rules-based and prosperous Indo-Pacific."

Following Modi's remarks, Vietnam PM Chinh expressed his gratitude to the Indian leader for offering condolences on the death of former Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and for sending National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to the funeral. He also praised India's significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the distribution of vaccines, noting that Vietnam imported a substantial quantity of Indian medicines.

"The Indo-Pacific is a locomotive for growth in the world...We are at a time when there are intertwining opportunities and challenges. There are opportunities intertwined with challenges, but there are more challenges than opportunities...Prime Minister Modi and I are pleased to witness the immense gains in bilateral relations, especially since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership," he said.

He also congratulated PM Modi and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on securing a historic third term, expressing confidence that Modi's leadership will bring further benefits to the Indian people.

"Under PM Modi's leadership, India has become the fifth largest economy in the world, one of the top powers with a striking global role," he added.

Chinh also extended an invitation for PM Modi to visit Vietnam, noting that the strategic partnership between the two countries has entered a new phase. Chinh began his visit to India on July 30, which concludes today.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi welcomed his Vietnamese counterpart at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the two leaders shared a warm hug upon greeting each other. Chinh then inspected a Guard of Honour presented by the combined defence services. The occasion was attended by 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.

Image source: MEA