Secretary Kerry praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership on combatting climate change and raised entry into force of the Paris Agreement; conclusion of the hydroflourocarbon amendment to the Montreal Protocol, and the International Solar Alliance initiative. Hundreds of Indian and local schoolchildren waving national flags of both the countries were also present at the airport.
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Thanh expressed his belief in the bright prospects for the Vietnam -India strategic partnership, based on a strong foundation as well as similarities in strategic interests, political trust and high economic potential.
Modi said that his discussions with Prime Minister Phuc covered the full range of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The year 2017 marks a very important milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries and we would be organising various events throughout the year to commemorate the events. He welcomed the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Vietnam next year and said that the partnership would strengthen peace, development and security in the region.
Following a luncheon hosted in his honour by Phuc, Modi visited the Quan Su Pagoda, also known as the Ambassadors’ Pagoda, here.
“I am also happy to announce a new defence line of credit for Vietnam of $500 million for facilitating deeper defence cooperation”. India’s bilateral trade with Vietnam now stands at $7.8 billion.
China has previously criticised India’s cooperation with Vietnam in the defence sector. Our trade now stands at Dollars 7.83 billion, and we are committed to meet the target of US$15 billion by 2020.
Vietnam had earlier Comprehensive Strategic Partnership only with Russian Federation and China.
MEA secretary, Sujata Mehta, said India would use this “leaders-only” forum to focus on measures to check terror financing and crack down on tax evasion and reduce Indian professionals’ tax liabilities overseas.
Analysts said Mr Modi’s visit was about boosting strategic ties in general.
On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister will have bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Modi is scheduled to fly out later Saturday to attend the G20 summit in Hangzhou China along with other world leaders.
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Modi said he will have an opportunity to engage with other world leaders on pressing global priorities and challenges during the G20 Summit. We also recognized the need to cooperate in responding to emerging regional challenges. Modi had earlier described him as one of 20th century’s tallest leaders in a Facebook post.
