Vietnam important partner in India's Indo-Pacific vision: PM Modi

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said Vietnam is a key pillar of India's Act East policy and a vital partner in its Indo-Pacific Vision as the two sides signed seven pacts across sectors, including defence and energy, and released a joint vision for peace and prosperity and stability in the South China Sea region.

Addressing the India-Vietnam virtual summit, the PM said: “We see our ties with Vietnam from a long-term and strategic view. Peace, stability and prosperity are our common objectives in the Indo-Pacific region. Our partnership can contribute significantly to maintaining stability and peace in the region.”

Vietnamese PM Nyugen Xuan Phuc, on his part, said the upgrading of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016 had bolstered trust and bolstered understanding of other’s vision and interests on international issues. He said the Vietnamese side had also agreed to India’s proposals for a further defence ties at a time when both countries are grappling with China’s aggressive actions in the region.