Mr. Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam paid a State Visit to India from 2-4 March, 2018. During his India’s official tour he also visited Bodh Gaya.
- A joint statement was issued after the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang in New Delhi on March 3.
- As per the joint statement:
- India and Vietnam agreed that defence and security cooperation is an important and effective pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress being made in this domain.
- The two sides welcomed the ongoing exchange of senior level delegations, stronger cooperation between their armed forces and enhanced cooperation in areas of cyber security, combating terrorism , maritime security, climate change and food security.
- The two sides unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.
- Both leaders have called upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism, include countering radicalisation, recruitment, training and movement of foreign terrorist fighters and blocking sources of financing terrorism.
- The two sides further agreed that they would cooperate in building a strong consensus for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
- Both sides agreed that enhancing strong trade and economic engagement is a strategic objective, a core element of the comprehensive strategic partnership and are essential for strengthening bilateral ties.
- Both leaders expressed satisfaction and commended the significant rise in trade turnover during the last two years.
- The two sides also agreed that their cooperation in oil and gas exploration, thermal and hydroelectric power and renewable energy and energy conservation is registering remarkable progress.
Three Agreements signed
- Following four agreements were signed on March 3, 2018 in New Delhi between India and Vietnam during visiting Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang:
- MoU on Economic and Trade Cooperation: The purpose of the MoU is to establish a framework for enhancing economic and trade promotion.
- Work Plan for the years 2018-2022 between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam: The purpose of this Work Plan is to promote cooperation in transfer of technology and exchange of visits of technical experts in the fields of agriculture and allied.
- MoU on Cooperation between the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership, India (GCNEP) and the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM): The purpose of the MoU is to strengthen the technical cooperation in the field of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
India-Vietnam Relations
-
- India-Vietnam relations have been exceptionally friendly and cordial since their foundations were laid by founding fathers of the two countries – President Ho Chi Minh and President Rajendra Prasad and Prime Minister Nehru.
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the first visitors to Vietnam after its victory against the French at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. President Ho Chi Minh went to India in February 1958. President Rajendra Prasad visited Vietnam in 1959.
- India’s thrust under the ‘Look East’ policy combined with Vietnam’s growing engagement within
the region and with India has paid rich dividends. Vietnam is an important regional partner in South East Asia. India and Vietnam closely cooperate in various regional forums such as ASEAN, East Asia Summit, Mekong Ganga Cooperation, Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) besides UN and WTO. - According to GOI data, total trade between the two countries during April – Nov of fiscal year 2016-
2017 was US$ 6244.92 million. The two sides agreed to set the target of bilateral trade at USD 15 billion by 2020.
