The welcome cermeony for Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini on Wednesday in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Khu

HCM CITY — Sail training ship INS Sudarshini of the Indian Navy docked at HCM City international port on Wednesday, beginning a friendly visit to the southern metropolis of Việt Nam.

In his welcoming remarks, Vice Chairman of HCM City People’s Committee Ngô Minh Châu said the traditional friendship between Việt Nam and India, which was nurtured by Vietnamese President Hồ Chí Minh Minh and Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, has continuously developed in all fields. In particular, the relationship between HCM City and India is also constantly strengthened and developed in the fields of trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, he went on.

The city leader expressed his hope that the visit will not only promote cooperation between the two navies but also serve as a connection between the Governments and people of the two countries, contributing to peace, security and stability in the region and the world.

Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasised that the visit to the HCM City of Ship INS Sudarshini is a highlight in relations between the two countries, especially defence and maritime relations. In recent years, defence cooperation has been one of the pillars of India-Việt Nam relations. The two countries have signed many defence cooperation agreements, contributing to promoting the relationship between the two sides, he added.

The Indian Government is committed to promoting cooperative activities with Việt Nam in all fields from politics to economics, the diplomat said.

During their stay in HCM City, officers, sailors and cadets of the INS Sudarshini will pay a courtesy visit to the Naval Region 2 of the Việt Nam People’s Navy, pay floral tributes at the Monument of President Hồ Chí Minh, visit a number of historical and cultural relics of the city and participate in friendly exchange activities with local soldiers and people.

INS Sudarshini is a sail training ship that is 54m in length and 8.5m in width. Since being commissioned in 2012, the INS Sudarshini has made voyages to different foreign ports including those of ASEAN countries, becoming one of the symbols of the Indian navy in promoting friendship and maritime cooperation with friendly foreign countries. — VNS