Jaishankar’s Diplomatic Visits to Vietnam and Singapore – Defence News

At the invitation of Bui Thanh Son, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, external affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar is scheduled to make an official four-day visit to Vietnam.

During the visit from Oct 15-18, 2023, there will be discussions about the progress made in various areas and ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

India and Vietnam maintain a strong Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. According to an official announcement by the Ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Saturday, Vietnam plays a significant role in India’s `Act East Policy’. During Jaishankar’s visit, there will be discussions about the progress made in various areas and ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The minister will be co-chairing the 18th Meeting of India-Vietnam Joint Commission on Economic, Trade, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation with his Vietnamese counterpart.

Also, he will travel to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where he is expected to engage in discussions with the Vietnamese leadership. Additionally, he will have the opportunity to meet with members of the Indian community in Vietnam and unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Ho Chi Minh City.

Following his visit to Vietnam, the minister will embark on an official visit to Singapore from Oct 19th to the 20^th.

Both countries share a historical relationship that was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2015. In 2023, there were several Ministerial interactions between the two countries on the sidelines of the G20 Summit hosted by India. Singapore was invited as a guest country, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited New Delhi for the G20 Summit in September this year.

During his visit to Singapore, Jaishankar will hold meetings with his Singaporean counterpart and the top leadership of the country. He will also chair the regional conference of Indian Heads of Missions.

The minister’s official visits starting tomorrow to Vietnam and Singapore hold great significance for India’s diplomatic relations with these countries. These visits will facilitate discussions on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring opportunities for further cooperation. Additionally, they underscore India’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships in the region.