NSA Doval attends state funeral of Nguyen Phu Trong In Hanoi

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval attended the state funeral of Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, who passed away on July 19, in Hanoi on Thursday. During the funeral, NSA Doval personally conveyed India’s condolences to Vietnamese President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Trong’s family.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed gratitude to India for sending high-ranking officials to attend the state funeral and for the Indian Parliament’s commemoration of Trong on July 22. The Vietnamese Prime Minister emphasized the close friendship between Vietnam and India and suggested continued coordination to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

NSA Doval acknowledged Nguyen Phu Trong’s significant contributions to enhancing Vietnam-India relations, describing him as a respected leader in India. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties, particularly in defense, security, trade, and investment. He also expressed India’s interest in expanding cooperation in new areas proposed by Vietnam, such as science and technology, information technology, telecommunications, and digital technology.

Also Read: To ‘Unify His Party’: Biden Reveals Reason Behind His Withdrawal

India-Vietnam relations have seen positive momentum since the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Hanoi in 2016. PM Modi has underscored Vietnam’s importance in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific vision, aiming to broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation, including defense partnerships, and advancing existing initiatives.

PM expressed sorrow on passing away of Vietnam H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong

PM Modi also highlighted historical and cultural ties between the two nations and India’s efforts in restoring Cham monuments in Vietnam during his interactions with Nguyen Phu Trong. Following Trong’s passing, PM Modi expressed condolences and solidarity with Vietnam, reflecting India’s respect for the departed leader and support for the Vietnamese people during their time of mourning.

“Saddened by the news of the passing away of the Vietnamese leader, General Secretary H.E. Nguyen Phu Trong. We pay our respects to the departed leader. Extend our deepest condolences and stand in solidarity with the people and leadership of Vietnam in this hour of grief,” PM Modi had posted on X on July 19