India, Vietnam upgrade strategic partnership

TIL Desk/World/Hanoi-PM Narendra Modi is speaking at the Joint Press conference in Vietnam shortly after the signing of 12 agreements between the two countries:

* As two important countries in this region, we feel it is necessary to further our ties on regional and international issues.

* Decided to upgrade our strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

* Buddhism & monuments of Vietnam’s Hindu Cham temples stand testimony to the 2000-year-old bonds between our societies.

* Agreed to deepen defence & security engagement. Happy to announce new defence Line of Credit of US$500 million for facilitating deeper cooperation.

* It will be my pleasure to host Vietnam PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the leadership of Vietnam in India.

* Under Vietnam’s leadership as ASEAN Coordinator for India, we will work towards a strengthened India-ASEAN partnership across all areas.

* We agreed to tap into growing eco opportunities in the region; recognized need to cooperate in responding to emerging regional challenges.