Manohar Parrikar asks Indian private sector to participate in Vietnam's military modernistion

NEW DELHI: In a bid to deepen strategic relationship, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday asked Indian defence industry to help Vietnam in its military modernisation. Parrikar, who is in Vietnam to meet his counterpart General Ngo Xuan Lich to address key military issues, is accomponied by Indian defence delegation.

Parrikar said, " India's help in modernising Vietnamese military will not just strengthen the diplomatic and military bond between both the nations but also open the doors of strategic exports." He assured the Indian private sector of full support from Ministry of Defence, DRDO and DPSU to realize the national aspiration of exports of defence items to friendly nations at competitive price.

The major areas identified for working together are upgradation of thermal sights and fire control systems for - BMP, T 54 and T 55 tanks; upgradation of MI 17 / Mi 8 Helicopters, shipbuilding programmes, missile systems from India and software defined radios from Vietnam. The meeting also discussed possible sale of supersonic missile BrahMos to the Southeast Asian country.

This meeting gains significance as both countries are celebrating 45 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic partnership.