Conversation between PM Modi and top leader of Vietnam on the issue of South China Sea and Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong. Prime Minister Modi exchanged views with Trong on regional and global issues, news agency PTI reported. This includes the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the situation in the South China Sea.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), in this telephonic conversation, both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the fast pace of cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. The foundation of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries was laid during the visit of PM Modi to Vietnam in 2016. The two leaders congratulated each other on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Taiwan.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated the importance of Vietnam as an important pillar of India's Act East Policy and Indo Pacific Vision.

He also stressed on expanding the scope of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi requested for facilitation to increase the reach of India's pharma and agricultural products in the Vietnamese market. PM Modi mentioned the historical ties between the two countries.