In a significant development, India and influential East Asian nation Vietnam today signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that it will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The two countries also signed three other agreements – to enhance aviation links, to jointly work in the area of energy efficiency and promotion of parliamentary cooperation.
The four pacts, were signed here in presence of Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and visiting President of Vietnam’s National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan after their conversation on boosting the relations.
Vietnam is the 14th country with which India signed the civil nuclear deal.
Ngan reiterating the expected favourable outcome said,“ This Agreement on Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Vietnam”.
He spelled out heartfelt appreciation saying that, “Ngan is the first woman to head the National Assembly of Vietnam, is a source of inspiration to women across the world.”
Mr Modi welcomed increased Parliamentary interactions between India and Vietnam, expressed his desire to institute an exchange programme for young parliamentarians of the two countries.
Mahajan said the Agreement on Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy is a “remarkable development” and a “testimony to two countries’ willingness to give greater substance to their recently upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” She also opined,”India and Vietnam can mutually benefit from each other’s strength.”
The Speaker emphasised on enhanced engagement between the two countries and categorically noted sectors like defence, security, energy, exploration, non conventional energy as some of the key areas of mutual benefit.
“The two countries had earlier in 1986 signed a pact in the civil nuclear field which was limited to training. However, the new agreement is broadbased and encompasses research on nuclear reactors, “sources said. The cooperation in research on nuclear reactors will get activated once India gets membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, they added.
Ngan expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Speaker for the phenomenal hospitality extended to her delegation. She also suggested that ongoing visit will further consolidate and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
