President Tô Lâm (right) and Indian Ambassador to Việt Nam Sandeep Arya had talks on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sáng

HÀ NỘI — President Tô Lâm received Indian Ambassador to Việt Nam Sandeep Arya in Hà Nội on Wednesday, where he expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the new government, India will continue to develop strongly, playing an increasingly prominent role in both international and regional arenas.

He said Việt Nam and India share a strong traditional friendship, which has been nurtured by the leaders and people of both countries over many decades and has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Expressing his pleasure at witnessing remarkable advancements in bilateral relations, the State leader said he is confident that the two countries can soon achieve a trade turnover of US$20 billion. He welcomed large Indian corporations to invest in Việt Nam in such strategic sectors as oil and gas, infrastructure, seaports, and emerging fields like digital transformation, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, clean energy, and energy transition. He encouraged both countries to leverage their cultural, religious, and historical ties to boost tourism collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.

Lâm requested the diplomat continue promoting India's support for Việt Nam through scholarship programmes and preferential credit and non-refundable aid packages.

Underscoring the enduring, time-tested relationship between Việt Nam and India, Arya pledged his commitment to further strengthening the bilateral relations via arranging high-level visits and contacts in the near future and fostering collaboration in defence, economy-trade, science-technology, and culture-tourism.

The diplomat also talked about India's effective cooperation with various Vietnamese agencies and localities through Quick Impact Projects (QIPs), a project to renovate and restore Chàm towers within the Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary in Quảng Nam province, and the organisation of International Yoga Day in Việt Nam.

Discussing regional and international issues, President Lâm recommended that the two countries continue to closely coordinate at multilateral forums, contributing to consolidating peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean. He said he appreciates India’s implementation of its “act east” policy through practical and specific cooperation activities with ASEAN countries, including Việt Nam.

Agreeing with the leader, Arya said he wishes to strengthen cooperation and mutual support between the two countries amidst the current complex global situation. — VNS