India, Vietnam adopt action plan to expand strategic partnership

India and Vietnam on Thursday firmed up a new action plan to expand their strategic ties, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that both sides will work towards a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific and that New Delhi supports development and not "expansionism". After his wide-ranging talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Modi said the agreed USD 300 million credit line for Vietnam will strengthen the Southeast Asian nation's maritime security. He said, the bilateral trade has witnessed a rise of 85 per cent. The Prime Minister said, Buddhism is our shared heritage, which has connected the people of both countries at a spiritual level.He  invited people from Vietnam to the Buddhist circuit in India.Modi said, India wants that the youth of Vietnam should also take advantage of Nalanda University. He said, in the Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, Vietnam is India’s important partner.He said, India and Vietnam agreed that the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement should be reviewed and concluded at an early date to realise the mutual trade potential.

Addressing the press meet with PM Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam.https://t.co/D9ZP1JfJOo

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 1, 2024

Both sides also signed and exchanged MoUs for cooperation in customs capacity building, agriculture research and education, maritime heritage, medicinal plant and also in legal fields. Prasar Bharati and Voice of Vietnam exchanged MoU for cooperation in Radio and Television.

The two leaders also witnessed exchange of various Agreements: pic.twitter.com/rsHmUZ45HU

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 1, 2024

Both sides also exchanged MoUs on credit line agreement and restoration of Myson UNSECO world heritage site in Vietnam.