Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar embarked on a significant two-nation visit to the South East Asian region, with Vietnam as his first destination. The visit aims to bolster bilateral ties and discuss avenues for cooperation.
Upon his arrival, S. Jaishankar was welcomed by Vietnam’s Foreign Minister, Bui Thanh Son, who extended a warm personal welcome. The two leaders also visited the renowned Tran Quoc Pagoda, a symbol of cultural exchange and unity. After Vietnam, S. Jaishankar is scheduled to head towards Singapore during his visit.
On Monday, S. Jaishankar will co-chair the 18th meeting of the India-Vietnam Joint Commission, focusing on economic, trade, scientific, and technological cooperation, alongside his Vietnamese counterpart, Bui Thanh Son. The Joint Commission Meeting represents a significant platform for both nations to review progress and explore opportunities to enhance collaboration.
In a tweet, S. Jaishankar expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome in Vietnam and looked forward to the Joint Commission Meeting. During his visit, the foreign minister also inaugurated a bust of Rabindranath Tagore in Bac Ninh, Vietnam, emphasizing the historic connections between India and Vietnam, dating back nearly 2000 years, rooted in the legacy of Buddhism.
The foreign minister’s visit to Vietnam underscores the strong and robust comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. Vietnam plays a pivotal role in India’s Act East Policy, and the visit provides an opportunity to review progress in various areas and discuss strategies to further enhance bilateral cooperation.
Earlier this year, India demonstrated its commitment to the region by handing over a fully-operational corvette, showcasing its commitment to bolstering maritime security and defense cooperation with friendly foreign countries.
As the visit progresses, the external affairs minister will continue discussions and hold talks with Vietnamese leadership, emphasizing the enduring relationship and shared interests between India and Vietnam. The visit includes stops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where S. Jaishankar is expected to meet with members of the Indian community and unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi.
The visit signifies India’s commitment to strengthening ties and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships in the South East Asian region, aligning with the nation’s strategic foreign policy objectives.
