An Indian Coast Guard ship has docked at the Vietnamese port of Danang, signalling growing defence and maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The patrol vessel ICGS Vijit, which arrived at the port on Monday, is on a 4-day goodwill visit during which the Indian maritime officers will hold wide-ranging talks with their counterparts in Vietnam.
The ship is used for patrolling and policing maritime zones, search and rescue operations, maritime surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, pollution response against oil spillages and external fire-fighting.
The port call by the ship "reflects the strong bilateral ties and growing defence and maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi said.
The ship's visit seeks to enhance maritime cooperation between the two coast guards, friendship between the two nations and positively contribute to the security and stability in the region and the world at large, it said.
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The Indian officers, headed by Commandant T Ashish, will also call on dignitaries of the Vietnam Government.
Engagement activities like sports events between the two coast guards and guided tours to cultural sites, showcasing the cultural connect between the two countries will be organised.
The friends of India from Danang and surrounding areas will also get an opportunity to visit the Indian ship.
The Indian and Vietnam Coast Guard will also undertake an exercise on search and rescue at sea, the release said.
The relations between India and Vietnam have strengthened in recent years due to a vibrant economic relationship and growing convergence on political, regional and security issues.
During the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Vietnam in 2016, the relations between the two countries were elevated to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.'
In 2017, both countries celebrated the 45th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations and 10th anniversary of Strategic Partnership'.
Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, visited India in January 2018 as a Guest of Honour at the Republic Day Parade and took part in the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit, the statement said.
There were a number of bilateral visits by senior defence officers from both sides in 2018 and more are in the pipeline this year, it said.
The high profile visits signify unprecedented momentum in the bilateral relationship and in defence engagement, it added.
The Indian Coast Guard too has continued extensive interactions with the Vietnam Coast Guard.
There is growing convergence between India and Vietnam on various regional and international issues," the statement said.
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