Vietnam is pivotal to India’s “Act East” policy

India and Vietnam agreed to further strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation in defence peaceful use of atomic energy and oil and gas sectors as President Ram Nath Kovind held productive and extensive talks with his counterpart Nguyen Phu Trong on the last day of his Vietnam visit.

In his press statement, President Kovind described Vietnam as a strategic pillar of India’s Act East Policy, and a key interlocutor in ASEAN.

President Ram Nath Kovind, also addressed the Vietnam national Assembly house.

He said that India and Vietnam are both stakeholders in the commerce, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region.

President Kovind is the first Indian President to have addressed the national assembly of Vietnam.

President Kovind also held discussions with Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc on a wide range of issues of mutual interest including trade, energy and regional security.

President Ram Nath Kovind received a ceremonial welcome at Vietnamese Presidential Palace in Hanoi.

He also paid his respects at the Monument of National Heroes and Martyrs in Hanoi and paid his respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum