Prime Minister of the Republic of India Manmohan Singh and General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng (left) before the meeting on the evening of November 20, 2013 at the Prime Minister's Palace in New Delhi. — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

NEW DELHI — The Indian parliament on Monday held a moment of silence before beginning its monsoon session to commemorate General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyễn Phú Trọng, who passed away last Friday.

In their messages of condolences at the event, Chairman of the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) Jagdeep Dhankhar and Speaker of the Lower House (Lok Sabha) Om Birla stated that the General Secretary was respected by the Vietnamese people from all walks of life during his 13 years of Party leadership.

They spoke highly of his central role in the development of Việt Nam as well as the Việt Nam - India friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Indian parliamentary leaders added that before his election as the Party chief, Trọng had held many important positions, including Chairman of the National Assembly.

On behalf of the Indian Lower House, Om Birla extended the deepest condolences to the Vietnamese Government, and expressed solidarity with Vietnamese leaders and people at this moment of grief. — VNS