India and Vietnam Reinforce Strategic Partnership Amid Shared Indo-Pacific Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, pledging to strengthen cooperation in areas like defense, security, and trade. The two leaders discussed plans to further their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reviewed mutual trade agreements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored Vietnam's role as a significant partner in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific aspirations during his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at Hyderabad House on Thursday. Highlighting the alignment of their perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, PM Modi emphasized, 'We support evolution, not expansionism.'

PM Modi extended condolences over the demise of Vietnam's General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and lauded his contributions to strengthening India-Vietnam relations. 'Under his leadership, our ties gained strategic direction,' he remarked. The Indian Prime Minister welcomed Pham Minh Chinh and his delegation warmly.

Discussing the rapid expansion of bilateral trade and cooperation over the past decade, PM Modi noted a significant 85% increase in trade and advancements in various sectors including defense, technology, and energy. Additionally, both leaders deliberated on future roadmaps aligning with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 and Vietnam's 2045 visions, agreeing to enhance defense and security collaboration.

Emphasizing the need to expedite the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, PM Modi said, 'This will help realize our mutual trade potential.' An agreement on a $300 million credit line to bolster Vietnam's maritime security was also finalized. He added that counter-terrorism and cyber security cooperation would be a priority.

Earlier in the visit, Pham Minh Chinh paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, reflecting on Gandhi's enduring ideals. The Vietnamese Prime Minister received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan with a Guard of Honour, showcasing the deepening ties between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)