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New Delhi: India and Vietnam Wednesday elevated their relations to enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership and vowed to significantly expand economic and defence ties following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President To Lam.

Modi said the two countries have a common outlook for the Indo-Pacific and both sides will continue to contribute to the rule of law, peace, stability, and prosperity.

It is understood that China’s growing military muscle-flexing figured in the delegation-level talks between the two sides.

Lam, accompanied by a high-level delegation, kick-started his three-day trip to India on Tuesday. It is his first state visit to the country since his election as the president this month.

India and Vietnam decided to elevate ties to the level of enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership, PM Modi said in his media statement.

“Vietnam is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Vision Ocean. In the Indo-Pacific region as well, we share a common outlook,” Modi said.

“Through our strengthening defence and security cooperation, we will continue to contribute to the rule of law, peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said.

The prime minister said India will broaden its relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) with Vietnam’s cooperation.

To boost financial connectivity, we decided to enhance cooperation between central banks of the two countries, he said.

India’s UPI and Vietnam’s fast payment system are going to be linked soon, he added.

In his remarks, Lam said both sides agreed to deepen political trust and elevate security cooperation.

Last year, the two sides inked a pact to set up a framework for submarine search, rescue and support mechanisms. They also signed a letter of intent (LoI) to strengthen bilateral defence industry collaboration.

PTI

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