India committed to modernisation of Vietnam's defence, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India remains committed to the modernisation of Vietnam's defence and security forces, adding that the two nations have agreed to enhance their security cooperation.

"Our defence cooperation with Vietnam is among our most important ones. India remains committed to the modernization of Vietnam's defence and security forces. This will include expansion of our training programme, which is already very substantial, joint exercises and cooperation in defence equipment," Prime Minister Modi told the media after the signing of various agreements between the two nations.

"We will quickly operationalise the 100 million dollars Line of Credit that will enable Vietnam acquire new naval vessels from India. We have also agreed to enhance our security cooperation, including in counter-terrorism," he added.

Prime Minister Modi further said that a partnership between New Delhi and Hanoi is essential for peace and Stability in the ASEAN region.

"Today, our partnership is important for promoting our nations' prosperity and essential for advancing peace and stability in our shared neighbourhood. We have shared interest in maritime security, including freedom of navigation and commerce and peaceful settlement of maritime disputes in accordance with international law," he said.

"In our discussions today, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and I had strong convergence of views on our region and how to further deepen our bilateral relations," the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Modi further announced that New Delhi and Hanoi have agreed to increase cooperation in space and nuclear energy.

"We have also agreed to increase our cooperation in Space, including in space applications and launch of Vietnam's satellites, and in peaceful uses of civil nuclear energy," he said.

"We emphasized the need for stronger economic relationship as an essential component of a strong strategic partnership. We see great opportunities for increased trade and enhanced Indian participation in areas such energy, infrastructure, textiles, chemicals, machinery, agro-processing and information technology in Vietnam. We have offered to discuss additional lines of credit to support Vietnam's efforts to diversify its industry and economic linkages," the Prime Minister added.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Dung is on a two-day state visit to India. During his visit, the leader witnessed the signing of seven agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two nations.

On Tuesday evening, he will attend a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Modi before departing.