However, even if India keeps quiet on the issue, the U.S. and Japan are highly likely to bring it up, much to the embarrassment of China which has said an emphatic no to “political discussion” at the G20.
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“It will provide a new direction, momentum and substance to our bilateral cooperation”.
One of the section in the society is of the view that Modi’s visit to Vietnam, the financial aid and 12 defense pacts indicates that India is not honest in developing relations with China.
“12 for togetherness! India & Vietnam sign a dozen agreements for further strengthening the Strategic Partnership”, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
This was Modi’s eighth meeting with Xi as the Prime Minister.
About the bilateral relations, which experienced turbulence due to differences over a raft of issues, Modi said in order to make the Asian century a reality, the countries of the continent would have to take responsibility.
Officials in response to a question on Vietnam’s request to India to supply BRAHMOS missiles recently said that both sides are engaged in “robust” conversation on stepping up cooperation in various areas including defence.
“After all, strong support from Washington and Tokyo has not yet worked in piling enough pressure on Beijing as Vietnam hoped, thus, how effective can India’s vague support be?” it said.
The credit was for facilitating mutual defence cooperation and relationship that would contribute to stability, securities and prosperity in the region, Modi was quoted as saying by Reuters Saturday.
“The fundamental reason behind it is the interests of India and Vietnam”.
In consonance with India’s continued developmental aid to Vietnam, Modi offered a a grant of $5 million for the establishment of a software park in the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang.
India has been pressing for reform of the Bretton Wood Institutions – IMF and World Bank – which would give it and other major emerging economies greater say in the multilateral lenders.
In order to enhance bilateral commercial engagement, Modi said, the two countries have agreed to tap new trade and business opportunities to achieve the trade target of $15 billion by 2020.
India has already been providing assistance to Vietnam’s navy through training to operate the new Russian-built submarines.
Chinese experts have warned that China may come to Pakistan’s aid if India creates trouble in these regions.
One agreement on cooperation in United Nations peace keeping operations.
Before leaving in the evening, Modi also made a visit to Quan Su Pagoda, where he talked about the centuries-old Buddhist ties between the two nations.
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“I thank the people and government of Vietnam for the very good hospitality during my visit”, Modi said.
