India-Vietnam Relations: Strengthening Strategic Ties Amid South China Sea Tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Vietnam. The dialogue focused on boosting defense cooperation amid mutual concerns over China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, highlighting a growing bilateral relationship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in extensive talks with Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday, aiming to fortify the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

Chinh arrived in Delhi on Tuesday night for a three-day visit focused on enhancing bilateral ties. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed Modi's warm welcome to Chinh at Hyderabad House via a message on 'X'.

The discussions covered ways to invigorate the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting a mutual interest in countering China's aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea. This meeting follows India's gifting of the missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam, marking a significant step in their defense collaboration.

(With inputs from agencies.)