Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, now on a two-day visit to Vietnam, on Monday held extensive discussions with his counterpart General Ngo Xuan lich on bilateral defence issues and explored ways to enhance strategic ties. Parrikar also called for defence industry tie-ups between the two countries.
The two Ministers welcomed the efforts made by the armed Forces of the two countries to further extend collaboration in new fields. Parrikar complimented Vietnam on their successful participation in the International Fleet Review held in India in February 2016. He also visited the elite 308 Division and complimented the efforts of the Vietnam People’s Army soldiers on their contribution in the past, an official Press statement said here on Monday. Parrikar is scheduled to return on Tuesday.
The Minister attended a business roundtable meeting comprising defence industry delegates from the two countries. The interaction focussed on increasing the defence industry networking, information sharing and exploration of possibilities for partnerships and collaborations between the two nations, officials said.
The highlight of the meeting was the handing over of the bid document by Vietname Border Guards to larsen and Toubro. India recently provided Vietname with a US 100 million dollars line of Credit which is being utilised by that country for procurement of offshore patrol boats for their Border Guards. Parrikar also visited the Research and Development facilities of Viettel Group of industries and both leaders emphasised the need for greater defence industry cooperation.
On the mechanism of exchange of information, both leaders emphasised the necessity for sharing of white shipping information to facilitate exchange of information in the maritime domain. The two sides also focussed on enhancing hydrographic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Parrikar on Monday called on President of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The leaders reviewed the Strategic Partnership and the new initiatives undertaken to further strengthen it. They reiterated the resolve to continue high-level contacts between the leaders of both countries.
Officials said the visit by the Defence Minister underlines the strategic importance of the defence relationship and the personal priority that the leaders of both countries place on their strong bilateral relationship. Parrikar extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit India soon and the invitation was accepted.
Vietnam, which is building a Kilo-class submarine, is keen on India training its submarine personnel.
It also has expressed interest to acquire Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a deal for which India is open.
The Southeast Asian nation may become the first to be supplied with the 290 km-range BrahMos weapon system, a joint venture of India and Russia. However, Russia also has to give its concurrence for selling the missile to the third country.