Indian navy training ship Sudarshini visits Ho Chi Minh City

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Ngo Minh Chau, vice chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, emphasised that the visit not only serves to boost ties between the two countries' navies, but also contributes to strengthening the bonds that exist between the two governments and peoples, thereby further ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region and the wider world.

Chau underscored the importance of the visit as part of efforts to further develop the time-honoured friendship between both sides, hoping that Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who was present at the event, would continue to support cooperative activities between the city and India in the coming time.

In response, Minister Jaishankar affirmed that defence cooperation is one of the most important pillars in the Vietnam – India comprehensive strategic partnership.

The visit marks the two sides' efforts to step up defense cooperation, helping to further consolidate the long-standing relationship that exists in multiple fields, such as culture, yoga, trade, investment, and tourism, he added.

He pledged to continue promoting friendly and cooperative ties with the Vietnamese Government in politics and other spheres moving forward.

During their stay in the southern city, officers and crewmembers of the ship will pay a courtesy visit to the High Command of Vietnam's Naval Region 2, lay wreaths at the Monument to President Ho Chi Minh, visit a number of historical and cultural relic sites, and join several friendly exchanges with local soldiers and residents.