India and Vietnam hold maritime security dialogue

During a virtual dialogue on Tuesday, India and Vietnam discussed maritime security cooperation as well as the emerging regional situation.

The talks were held as part of the second maritime security dialogue.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, exchanges on developments in the field of maritime security, regional cooperation activities, and prospects for partnership between the two countries took place during the consultations.

The two countries' defence and security connections have been progressively strengthening.

Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc held a virtual summit in December, where the both sides pledged to strengthen overall defence and security cooperation, particularly in the maritime sphere.

The two leaders strongly emphasized the significance of preserving freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in the wake of China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the area.

In the South China Sea, Vietnam, a significant member of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), has territorial disputes with China.

China asserts control over the entire South China Sea, a massive hydrocarbon reservoir. Several ASEAN members, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei, have made counter-claims.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.