New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung on Saturday held wide-ranging talks focusing on ways to expand cooperation in defence, energy and critical minerals.
The two leaders met on the margins of the BRICS Summit. Vietnam is a partner country in the BRICS grouping.
Modi said on social media that he had productive discussions with Hung on deepening defence and security cooperation, including a proposed two-plus-two mechanism of the defence and foreign ministers.
We also discussed the expansion of cooperation in energy, rare earths and the space sector, he said.
The two sides are working towards USD 25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and greater two-way investment, as well as strengthening their cultural and civilisational linkages.
“Vietnam will always remain a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision,” Modi said.
The prime minister announced the vision MAHASAGAR or “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions” for India’s engagement with the Global South during his visit to Mauritius in March last year.
Modi and Hung reviewed the progress in bilateral ties since they were elevated to an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership during Vietnam President To Lam’s visit to India in May.
“The meeting provided an opportunity for both leaders to review the progress made in bilateral ties, which were elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
It said both leaders also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual importance, and reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthening their partnership.
“India and Vietnam share a time-tested friendship rooted in shared civilisational heritage, mutual trust and understanding. Vietnam is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and an important partner in India’s broader engagement with Southeast Asia,” the MEA said.
The prime minister also held a separate meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
Modi said his talks with Ali covered defence, capacity building, investment linkages, critical minerals, clean energy and healthcare.
“Together, we will also strengthen India-Africa ties and amplify the voice of the Global South,” Modi said.
The external affairs ministry said the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral strategic partnership and reviewed progress in key sectors such as economic cooperation, defence and security partnership, and capacity building. They also discussed regional and international developments. PTI MPB APL APL
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