New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Vietnamese counterpart General Ngo Xuan Lich on Friday discussed collaboration in defence industry capability building, training and cooperation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
The two leaders held bilateral talks via video-conferencing and reaffirmed the strong India-Vietnam Defence cooperation which is a key pillar of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, the defence ministry said.
During their online meeting, they discussed various ongoing projects and the future trajectory of bilateral defence engagements.
The two ministers expressed satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 situation Defence exchanges between both Armed Forces have maintained a positive momentum.
In a further step towards deeper bilateral cooperation, both sides signed an Implementing Arrangement for cooperation in the field of Hydrography between National Hydrographic Office, India and Vietnam Hydrographic Office.
The Arrangement will enable sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in production of navigational charts by both sides.
Mr Singh underlined Prime Minister’s vision of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” for enhancing self-reliance including Defence industries.
He outlined that a strong and self-reliant India shall positively contribute to capacity building of friendly partner countries like Vietnam.
The minister urged for closer Defence industry cooperation between India and Vietnam by concluding an institutionalised framework Agreement in the near future.
Mr Singh appreciated Vietnam’s innovative and successful leadership of Defence related events in ASEAN during its presidency of ASEAN despite the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Vietnamese Defence Minister thanked the him for the assistance by Indian Armed Forces in capacity building of Vietnamese Defence Forces especially in the field of Human Resource development.
He conveyed India’s willingness to enhance the scope and level of training for all three services of Vietnam Defence forces in Indian Defence Institutes.
Vietnamese Defence Minister also invited the Raksha Mantri for ADMM Plus meeting being hosted by Vietnam on December 10 through virtual mode.
UNI ASH SHK2223