What is the significance of Rajnath Singh's recent visit to Vietnam in India's foreign policy

Analyze the significance of Rajnath Singh's visit to Vietnam in enhancing India's foreign policy in the Southeast Asian region.
Rajnath Singh's recent visit to Vietnam has significant implications for India's foreign policy in the Southeast Asian region. Here are some key points to consider:
  • Enhancing strategic ties: The visit reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening strategic ties with Vietnam, a key partner in Southeast Asia. The two countries signed a number of agreements, including a new partnership in defence and a framework agreement on cooperation in the field of oil and gas.
  • Countering China's influence: The visit is also seen as a move to counter China's growing influence in the region. India has been wary of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to increase Beijing's strategic and economic influence in the region, and has been strengthening ties with Southeast Asian countries as a counterbalance.
  • Deepening economic engagement: The visit also focused on enhancing economic engagement between the two countries. Vietnam is an important trade partner for India, with bilateral trade between the two countries reaching $14.7 billion in 2019.
  • Strengthening regional security: The visit emphasised the importance of regional security, especially in the context of increasing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. India and Vietnam have both expressed concern about China's claims over the disputed waters and have called for peaceful resolution of disputes.
Overall, Rajnath Singh's visit to Vietnam underscores India's growing role in the region and its commitment to enhancing strategic and economic ties with Southeast Asian countries.
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