Vietnam and India Emphasize Importance of South China Sea Amidst State Visit

Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the significance of the South China Sea, highlighting the need for a free and open waterway. Both leaders emphasized coordination in the Indo-Pacific region and committed to strengthening bilateral ties during Chinh's state visit to India.

During his state visit to India, Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the strategic importance of the South China Sea, noting that 60 percent of global trade traverses this region. This underscores the need for a free and open waterway, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), provided a special briefing, stressing that both nations understand the paramount importance of maintaining a free and rules-based maritime domain. He echoed Chinh's sentiments about the criticality of navigational freedom and overflight for a peaceful and stable environment.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the shared cultural heritage between the two countries and underscored the role of Vietnam in India's Act East Policy. Modi highlighted the common vision for a prosperous Indo-Pacific, committed to cooperation, and signed multiple MoUs to strengthen bilateral relations. Chinh was welcomed with a ceremonial reception and a Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

(With inputs from agencies.)