PM Modi concludes two-day visit to Vietnam: As it happened

A packed day of diplomacy in Vietnam ends as PM @narendramodi emplanes for Hangzhou to attend G20 Summit pic.twitter.com/zwW2x7kNEG

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Capping his visit to Vietnam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls on General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi.

Final engagement for PM in this key visit is a call on Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party pic.twitter.com/VjOP7tax4D

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

President Tran Dai Quang and PM @narendramodi discuss India-Vietnam relations.

President Tran Dai Quang and PM @narendramodi discuss India-Vietnam relations. pic.twitter.com/oqnjAYZAfQ

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 3, 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls on Vietnam National Assembly Chairperson Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in Hanoi.

Afternoon meetings begin with a call on Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Chairperson of the National Assembly of Vietnam pic.twitter.com/XiiGbhG7P2

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

"I saw a glow on the faces of those monks who travelled to India and a great curiosity on the faces of those who wish to travel to India," says the PM. Modi further humbly invites "all in Vietnam to travel to the land of Buddha, and especially to Varanasi which I represent in India's Parliament".

PM:Buddhism, which took the sea route, travelled to Vietnam in its purest form from India pic.twitter.com/rplVGNJg6B

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Speaking at the Pagoda, the PM says he is fortunate to make a trip here after first Indian President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, in 1959. "Our relationship spans 2,000 years. Some people came here with the objective of war. We came here with a message of peace which has endured.". The PM adds that the world should walk on the path of peace that brings happiness and prosperity, "while war only brings transient greatness".

The historic monument is also known as the Ambassadors` Pagoda as there was a guest house here in the 17th century for the ambassadors of Buddhist countries.
 

The pagoda is said to have served emissaries that were sent from Champa and Laos to Vietnam in the past, tweets External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup​.

A diplomat's pagoda for a visiting dignitary. PM gets rousing reception @ Pagoda, also known as Ambassador's pagoda pic.twitter.com/SqqL6xcSuZ

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

PM Narendra Modi visits the Quan Su Pagoda.

At the heart of Vietnamese Buddhism, a precious treasure of Hanoi. PM @narendramodi visits the Quan Su Pagoda pic.twitter.com/gJGvIWJWT1

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

India, Vietnam sign 12 agreements

"Under Vietnam's leadership as ASEAN Coordinator for India, we will work towards a strengthened India-ASEAN partnership across all areas", says the PM. Modi concludes by saying that India and Vietnam "must stay focused on keeping up the momentum in our ties".

PM Narendra Modi says India would provide a USD 500 million credit line to Vietnam for defence cooperation, the latest sign of closer ties between two countries with separate territorial disputes with China. 

Our decision to upgrade our Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership captures the intent and path of our future cooperation. It will provide a new direction, momentum, and substance to our bilateral cooperation, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi after talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Vietnam holds a special place in our hearts: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/xU8IlnKnRH

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 3, 2016

PM:As two imp countries in this region, we also feel it necessary to further our ties on regional and international issues of common concern

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

PM:We agreed to tap into growing eco opportunities in the region;Recognized need to cooperate in responding to emerging regional challenges.

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Your success in reunification and commitment to nation-building reflects the strength of character. India admired your determination and rejoiced in your success: PM Modi in Vietnam

Buddhism and monuments of Vietnam’s Hindu Cham temples stand testimony to the 2,000-year-old bonds between our societies, says the PM.

PM begins:Thank u excellency for extending me privilege of personally taking me on pilgrimage to Ho Chi Minh’s house pic.twitter.com/Yeajw2pslY

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

India and Vietnam sign 12 agreements for cooperation in areas, including defence and IT, to boost bilateral ties.

12 for togetherness!
India & Vietnam sign a dozen agreements for further strengthening the Strategic Partnership pic.twitter.com/Fu4Er17udQ

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

A comprehensive review of the Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi & PM Nguyen Phuc lead delegation level talks pic.twitter.com/un0G2SJhcU

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Delegation-level talks between India and Vietnam are underway.

Delegation level talks between India and Vietnam. pic.twitter.com/2rijzXqjlh

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 3, 2016

PM Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc begin their meeting and talks.

The PM will now hold talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc.  

A renewed warmth with Vietnam. PM @narendramodi and PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc meet for a tete-a-tete before formal talks pic.twitter.com/Ife452Rddp

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Seeking an auspicious start. PM @narendramodi and PM Phuc feed fish in Uncle Ho's pond in the Presidential compound pic.twitter.com/ldIjOdVoP3

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

The PM, donning white churidar kurta with grey jacket, is taken to the humble traditional stilt house near the palace where Vietnam's beloved leader Ho Chi Minh lived intermittently between 1958-1969.  

A visit to a location deeply revered by Vietnamese!
PM visits Nha San Bac Ho, President Ho Chi Minh's stilt house pic.twitter.com/Kh6AGivwZa

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Narendra Modi, the first Indian prime minister to visit the communist nation in 15 years, was welcomed by Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quant.

After national anthems of both India and Vietnam were played by the armed forces band, dressed in sharp white with gold tassels and black gum boots, the Prime Minister inspects a guard of honour by the three armed forces of the host country.

Here's a short video of the ceremonial reception for PM @narendramodi at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi pic.twitter.com/h4FlGdLa0P

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accorded a ceremonial welcome in front of the majestic Presidential Palace in Hanoi on Saturday morning.

Bilateral engagements commence with a ceremonial reception for PM @narendramodi at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi pic.twitter.com/Z7TacLRvgm

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Prime Minister Modi pays homage to revered leader Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum.

Homage to indomitable will of a leader. PM @narendramodi pays respects at the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh pic.twitter.com/5d2MpRhsab

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Prime Minister Modi pays homage to national heroes and martyrs at their monuments. He lays a wreath at the war memorial located across the Ba Dinh Square.

Beginning with the memory of Vietnam's Martyrs.PM @narendramodi lays wreath at Monument of National Heroes & Martyrs pic.twitter.com/1gsi0EJam0

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2016

Hello to Hanoi! PM @narendramodi makes a late night arrival in Vietnam to begin the first leg of his 2 nation tour. pic.twitter.com/3SjsD5EuJP

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) September 2, 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in Vietnam on Friday night for a day-long packed visit. He leaves this evening for the G20 talks in China.