"India always a steadfast friend, development partner of Vietnam"
(VOVWORLD) - India has always been a steadfast friend and partner of Vietnam, an official from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said on the occasion of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang’s State visit that began on Friday.
 President Tran Dai Quang receives Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Mr. Modi’s visit to Vietnam in September 2016. (Photo: Nhan Sang/VNA) |
Secretary of the Indian Ministry Preeti Saran said that the two countries’ bilateral relationship has strengthened and broadened in various areas.
She noted that the most tangible outcomes have emerged in security and defence cooperation. Vietnam is India’s second largest export destination in ASEAN with total trade exceeding 10 billion USD, adding that with mutual effort, it would maintain its upward movement.
Secretary Saran said Vietnam is a key pillar of India’s Act East policy, and its engagement with ASEAN and bilateral economic ties with Vietnam have helped in expansion of India-ASEAN ties.
She also noted that India and Vietnam have common perspectives on peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region and will continue to support freedom of navigation and aviation and a peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues in the region.