November 20, 2018
Vietnam is the first ASEAN and Southeast Asian country that President Kovind has visited since assuming office
The countries signed agreements pertaining to communications; bilateral trade; higher studies and trade facilitation
During the latest trip, President Kovind addressed the National Assembly of Vietnam, the Vietnam–India Business Forum
In Vietnam, India has offered US$100 million maritime security credit as well as US$500 million defence credit
At the invitation of Vietnam President, Nguyen Phu Trong, Indian President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, paid a state visit to the nation over November 18-20. President Kovind was accompanied by a team of political leaders and large business delegation. During the visit, President Kovind held delegation level talks with President Phu Trong and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. President Kovind also addressed the National Assembly of Vietnam, the Vietnam–India Business Forum and the local indian diaspora.
During the visit, the two governments signed of a number of critical agreements, including: (i) a MOU on cooperation in the field of communications; (ii) a MOU on cooperation between Vietnam’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam; (iii) a MOU between Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Hanoi, and the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; and (iv) Agreement between Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
Vietnam has attained special importance under the Government’s “Act East” policy to boost regional ties. In Vietnam, India has offered US$100 million credit for the building of high-speed patrol vessels for the Vietnamese Border Guards as well as US$500 million credit for the defence industry. The two nations have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime activities, agricultural activities, energy exploration, education, science and technology tourism and reach bilateral trade target of US$15 billion.
India-Vietnam ties have attained new strength since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2007, and its elevation to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016. Earlier this year, PM Xuan Phuc attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi as well as the celebration of the 69th Republic Day of India as guest of honour along with heads of states and governments from the 10 ASEAN countries. This boosted India’s outreach in the region.