Newsroom24x7 Staff

Hanoi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today declared that India and Vietnam have agreed to deepen bilateral defence and security engagement to advance the common interests of both the countries.

Addressing a joint media briefing with Prime Minister of Viternam Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Indian Prime Minister said: “Our decision to upgrade our Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership captures the intent and path of our future cooperation.”

Modi went on to announce a new Defence Line of Credit for Vietnam of US$ 500 million for facilitating deeper defence cooperation. India and its 1.25 billion people stand ready to be Vietnam’s partner and a friend in this journey, he added

Modi said that India will be offering a grant of US$ 5 million for the establishment of a Software Park in the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang.

The Indian Prime Minister told journalists that during discussions with his Vitenamese counterpart, he sought facilitation of ongoing Indian projects and investments in Vietnam. He also expressed the hope for an early establishment and opening of the Indian Cultural Centre in Hanoi.

The Archaeological Survey of India can soon start the conservation and restoration work of the Cham monuments at My Son, Modi said and thanked Vietnam’s leadership in facilitating inscription of Nalanda Mahavihara as a UNESCO World Heritage site earlier this year.

ASEAN is important to India in terms of historical links, geographical proximity cultural ties and the strategic space that we share, underscored Modi

Under Vietnam’s leadership as ASEAN Coordinator for India, we will work towards a strengthened India-ASEAN partnership across all areas, the Indian Prime Minister asserted.

The advent of Buddhism from India to Vietnam and the monuments of Vietnam’s Hindu Cham temples stand testimony to the bonds between Vietnam and India, Modi said.

Your success in national reunification and commitment to nation building reflects the strength of character of your people, said Modi. He also went on to observe that all in India have admired the determination of the Vietnamese people, rejoiced in their success and have been with them all along in their national journey.