Vietnamese PM’s visit to India to strengthen strategic partnership

New Delhi, Aug 1: Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in India for a state visit from July 30 to August 1, 2024. The visit has resulted in significant advancements in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to Chinh and his delegation, emphasizing the deepening ties between India and Vietnam. Modi expressed condolences on behalf of all Indians for the recent demise of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, acknowledging his role in strengthening bilateral relations.

Strengthening Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Highlighting Vietnam’s role in India’s Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision, Modi affirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. He welcomed Vietnam’s decision to join the CDRI, reiterating support for evolution over expansionism Prime Minister added, “Your visit is adding a new and golden chapter to our relations.” The visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing strategic partnership between the two nations

Expanding Bilateral Relations

Over the past decade, India and Vietnam have transformed their relationship into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marked by an 85% increase in bilateral trade. Cooperation has expanded across various sectors, including energy, technology, and development. defence and security collaboration has gained momentum, with connectivity enhanced by over 50 direct flights between the two countries. Tourism is on the rise, supported by the introduction of e-visas, the Prime Minister said at a joint press meeting. after the meeting.

Strategic Agreements and Memorandums

During the visit, several key agreements were signed:

Plan of Action: Implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2024-2028.

Customs Capacity Building: MoU between India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.

Agricultural Research: MoU between Central Agricultural University, Imphal, and Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Legal Cooperation: MoU between the justice ministries of both countries.

Media Collaboration: MoU between Prasar Bharati and Voice of Vietnam.

Credit Line Agreements: Two agreements totalling USD 300 million between Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance and the Export-Import Bank of India.

Cultural Heritage Conservation: Letter of Intent for conserving F Block in My Son, Quang Nam Province.

Medicinal Plants Cooperation: MoU between Vietnam’s Traditional Medicine Administration and India’s National Medicinal Plants Board.

Maritime Heritage: MoU for developing the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.

New Initiatives and Announcements

Prime Minister Chinh and Modi inaugurated the Army Software Park at Telecommunications University in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Vietnam also announced its decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

The USD 300 million credit line will enhance Vietnam’s maritime security, while both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation on terrorism and cybersecurity. They emphasized the importance of concluding the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement review promptly to unlock mutual trade potential.

Focus on Green Economy and Emerging Technologies

The two countries have decided to focus on green economy initiatives and emerging technologies, leveraging each other’s capabilities in energy and port development. Efforts will be made to connect private sectors, SMEs, and start-ups in both nations. In agriculture and fisheries, joint research and germplasm exchange will be promoted to bolster food security and livelihoods.

Cultural and Spiritual Ties

India will aid in the conservation of temples in Block F at the My Son World Heritage Site. Modi invited Vietnamese citizens to explore the Buddhist circuit in India and encouraged the youth to benefit from Nalanda University.