At the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an Official Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 02 - 03 September 2016.
Covering the full range of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in their discussions, the two leaders shared the view that Vietnam - India relations have been built on a firm foundation, with close links in culture, history and civilization, mutual trust and understanding as well as the strong mutual support in international and regional fora. The Vietnamese side reaffirmed Vietnam's support for India's Act East Policy and welcomed a greater role for India in the regional and international arena and India reaffirmed Vietnam to be an important pillar of India's Act East Policy.
The two sides agreed to elevate the current Strategic Partnership to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and decided to assign the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs to be the focal points, in collaboration with other ministries and agencies of both sides, to build the Plan of Action to bring the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to reality in all areas of cooperation.
The bilateral visit of Prime Minister Modi to Vietnam saw the two sides ink a dozen agreements covering a wide range of areas from - defence, IT, space, double taxation and sharing white shipping information, Health, Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping, to cyber security and Contract for Offshore High-speed Patrol Boats.
In addition, MoU between Vietnamese Academy of Social Science and Indian Council of World Affairs, MoU between BIS and STAMEQ for mutual recognition of standards and conformity assessment, Establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Software Development and Training and protocol between Vietnam and India on celebrating 2017 as 'The Year Of Friendship' were also signed.
“I saw a glow on the faces of those Monks who travelled to India and a great curiosity in the faces of those who wish to travel to India”
Prime Minister Modi visited the Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi on 03 September 2016. He offered prayers at the Sanctum Sanctorum, and was given a rousing reception by the monks.
Interacting with the monks, he said that he is fortunate to visit the Pagoda, and recalled that India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad had visited this Pagoda in 1959.
Noting the links between India and Vietnam to be 2000 years old, the Prime Minister said that while some came to make war, India had come with the message of peace – the message of Buddha, which has endured.
He invited them to visit the land of the Buddha, and especially Varanasi, which he represents in Parliament.
The 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit was the eleventh meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20) held from 4–5 September 2016 in the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China with the key agendas as - Inclusive and Interconnected Development; More Effective & Efficient Global Economic & Financial Governance and Robust International Trade and Investment.
Addressing the world leaders at the Summit, Prime Minister Modi stated that G20 needed an action oriented agenda of collective, coordinated and targeted action. Remarking that challenges and opportunities were common for all G20 nations, he said " A frank, even a difficult conversation won’t be enough. What G20 needs is an action oriented agenda of collective, coordinated & targeted action”.
On nurturing India's growth aspirations, he said that Indian government aimed to improve financial system, boost domestic production, enhance infrastructure investment and create a pool of human capital.
Addressing the world leaders on the day 2 of the Summit, the Prime Minister highlighted why a stable global economic and financial system is absolutely imperative for growth. He remarked that long-delayed 15th general review of quotas must be completed by 2017 annual meetings. Calling for efforts for zero tolerance for corruption & black money; zero administrative policy & treaty loopholes; zero barriers & full commitment to action, he said, “Fighting corruption, black money & tax evasion were central to effective financial governance".
He also professed India's support for BEPS recommendations and called on countries to commit to the timeline of 2017-2018.
"We meet at a time when the global situation faces complex political and economic challenges"
Addressing the leaders during the 3rd session of G20 Summit, the Prime Minister said that vision of transparent, equitable, non-discriminatory, open, inclusive and rule-based global trading architecture should underpin collective efforts. He noted that trade facilitation is important and urged countries to fully implement the Bali and Nairobi Ministerial decisions.“Global trading regime must respond to needs & priorities of developing nations. Global value chains must provide them level playing field", he further added.
He said that knowledge and innovation driven economy requires free mobility and India's priority is to work towards Trade Facilitation Agreement for Services and that G-20 needs to act to stimulate investment flows, further adding, “Transformed and liberalized investment regime has put India among top host nations for FDI”.
"To benefit all, G20 would need to act decisively. This will also require strong network of partnerships"
At a working lunch on ‘Inclusive and Interconnected Development’ at G20 Summit, the Prime Minister said, “Goal to put everyone on path of development is not just aspiration. Domestic policy and action must get support from international regimes and frameworks.” Highlighting how Agenda 2030 could be an enabler to transform societies & bridge deep inequalities, he stressed upon collaborative action over the next 15 years and laid out specific actions world can take for inclusive and interconnected development
At the concluding session of G20 on "Other Issues Affecting World Economy", the Prime Minister said, “Many global issues may not seem economic but, carry significant economic cost. He added, “Foremost challenge is Climate Change where Paris Agreement showed the way forward. Focus shouldn't just be on early ratification, but full success.”
He said that we have to safeguard climate justice and that requires affordable financing & environmentally sound technology for developing countries. “We must uphold principles of equity and CBDR and curb reckless consumption and encourage lifestyles in harmony with nature.” , he further added.
Speaking on terrorism, the Prime Minister said, “A terrorist is a terrorist”. He expressed grave concern over increasing spread of terror and urged the international community to act in unity and respond against terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi chaired the special BRICS meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou. Addressing the leaders he said, “Our shared responsibility is to shape the international agenda in a manner that helps developing nations achieve their objectives”
"We, as BRICS,are an influential voice in international discourse. It is, therefore, our shared responsibility to shape the international agenda"
Inviting all leaders to the BRICS Summit in Goa, India in October 2016 he said, “We've taken BRICS out of capitals to involve people from all walks of life.It will be an opportunity to deepen our ties & with BIMSTEC countries.”
"As chair of BRICS, Building Responsive,Inclusive & Collective Solns is theme we've chosen which mirrors central priorities at G20 Summit"
