India, Vietnam strengthen maritime ties

New Delhi, Aug 16: The 4th India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was held on August 16, in Hanoi, Vietnam, marking another milestone in the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The Indian delegation was led by Ms Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary for Disarmament & International Security Affairs at the Ministry of External Affairs, while Mr. Trinh Duc Hai, Vice Chairman of the National Boundary Commission, represented the Vietnamese side.

The dialogue focused on enhancing maritime cooperation to create a conducive environment for mutual growth and global well-being.

Both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives in the maritime domain and explored new avenues for cooperation at international and regional fora to achieve shared objectives.

Key areas of discussion included Marine Scientific Research, the Ocean Economy, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Navy and Coast Guard cooperation, and maritime law enforcement.

The two countries agreed to further strengthen their collaborative efforts in these areas, underscoring the importance of a stable and secure maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region. It was also decided that the next round of dialogue would be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date, further solidifying the commitment to continued cooperation.

This dialogue comes on the heels of a significant State Visit to India by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh from July 30 to August 1, 2024, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was accompanied by a high-level official delegation, including ministers and leaders from various Vietnamese ministries.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was accorded a ceremonial reception and included bilateral talks between the two Prime Ministers, during which they witnessed the exchange of several key bilateral agreements aimed at furthering cooperation between the two countries.

The agreements signed included a Plan of Action for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the 2024-2028 period. Other notable agreements included an MoU for cooperation in Customs Capacity Building, collaboration in Agricultural Research and Education, cooperation in the legal field, and partnerships in radio and television broadcasting.

Additionally, two Dollar Credit Line Agreements worth USD 300 million were signed between the Vietnamese government and the Export-Import Bank of India. A Letter of Intent was also exchanged for the conservation and restoration of F Block in My Son, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.

The leaders commended the effective implementation of the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 and the strengthening of defence ties in recent years. This cooperation has included dialogues, training and capacity building, exchanges of best practices, joint exercises, and collaboration in defence policy and industry.

Both leaders agreed to enhance defence cooperation further, aligning with the mutual interests and priorities of both countries, which will contribute to greater stability in the wider Indo-Pacific region.