External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached Vietnam on Sunday in the first leg of his visit to the two countries in Southeast Asia. He received a warm welcome upon reaching Vietnam. He also held bilateral talks with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son to strengthen India-Vietnam relations. During this, security and development of the Indo-Pacific region was also discussed. China is upset with the friendship between India and Vietnam. Actually, China and Vietnam share the same maritime border. But China shows dominance in Vietnam’s maritime area. India has always assured to cooperate in Vietnam’s maritime security whenever needed.
Jaishankar said in a post on ‘X’, “I have reached Vietnam today. Thanks to Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son for the warm personal welcome at the famous Tran Quoc Pagoda. Look forward to co-chairing the 18th Joint Commission meeting tomorrow.” Soon after reaching Hanoi, Jaishankar visited the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda. Built in the sixth century, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Jaishankar was welcomed by his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son at the historic temple.
Jaishankar shared photos on X
The Foreign Minister has shared some special pictures of his Vietnam tour on ‘X’. “Visited the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi,” he wrote. The Bodhi tree here is a symbol of the centuries-old relations between India and Vietnam. It was gifted by (then) President Rajendra Prasad to President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam in 1959.” The Minister will also promote bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors with the strategically important Southeast Asian countries of Vietnam and Singapore. He is in Hanoi as part of his six-day visit. “India and Vietnam share a strong comprehensive strategic partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in New Delhi on Saturday. Vietnam is a key member of our Act East policy.
Conversation with Indian community
External Affairs Minister’s visit will provide an opportunity to review progress in a number of areas and discuss ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation.” Jaishankar to discuss economic, trade and scientific and technological cooperation with Vietnamese Foreign Minister counterpart Bui Thanh Son -Vietnam will also co-chair the 18th meeting of the Joint Commission. He will also visit Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and is expected to hold talks with the Vietnamese leadership. He will also meet members of the Indian community and unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Ho Chi Minh City. After Vietnam, Jaishankar will visit Singapore from 19 to 20 October.