National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval attended the state funeral of Nguyen Phu Trong, Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary, who passed away on 19 July, in Hanoi.
The NSA personally conveyed India's condolences to Vietnamese President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and the bereaved family.
During a Wednesday meeting, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was "sincerely thankful" to the Indian government and people for having sent high-ranking officials to the state funeral. He also appreciated the Indian Parliament's decision to honor the late General Secretary on July 22.
"This exemplifies the love of close friends and the treasured tradition between the two peoples of Vietnam and India," noted the Office of the Vietnam Prime Minister following the meeting with NSA Doval.
The Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, urged that both nations continue to work together in implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India. He added that other possible areas of cooperation were science and technology, information and telecommunications, and digital technology.
NSA Doval said that it was while taking cognizance of the "important contributions" of Vietnam's General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong toward consolidation of bilateral ties, that his reputation as a highly respected and esteemed leader stood in front of everyone in India.
NSA Doval reiterated that, on its part, the Indian government was committed to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. He expressed a desire to deepen the bilateral ties in traditional sectors like defence and security, trade, and investment; he also expressed the quest to explore newer areas of cooperation from Hanoi's side.
The relations between India and Vietnam have been on the right track ever since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was sealed during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Hanoi in 2016.
PM Modi has laid special emphasis on the place accorded to Vietnam as an intrinsic part of India's 'Act East' policy and the strategy relating to the Indo-Pacific, with a view to deepening the bilateral relationship in all aspects, including defense cooperation, and expeditious implementation of the existing initiatives.
PM Modi also dwelt before the late Vietnamese leader on the historical and cultural linkages between the two countries and India's participation in the restoration of Cham monuments in Vietnam, with whom he has been engaging for years.
"Sad to learn about the demise of the Vietnamese leader, General Secretary H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong. We join our tributes for the departed leader. Extend heartfelt condolences and stand in solidarity with the people and leadership of Vietnam in this hour of grief," Prime Minister Modi posted on X on July 19.
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