Closer India-Vietnam coop to contribute to region's sec: PM

Closer cooperation between India and Vietnam in all sectors will contribute to the stability, security and prosperity of the entire region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today as he received Defence Minister of that country General Ngo Xuan Lich here.
During the meeting, Modi said Vietnam is a key pillar of India's "Act East" policy, a PMO statement said.
The Prime Minister noted that India and Vietnam have a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship in the field of defence, and reiterated India's resolve to strengthen defence ties further, it said.
He fondly recalled his visit to Vietnam in September this year, during which the bilateral relationship was upgraded to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the statement said.

Lich briefed the Prime Minister on the progress achieved in bilateral defence cooperation.