New Delhi, May 6 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday declared that diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam have been upgraded to an "Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

Speaking at a joint press conference at Hyderabad House alongside Vietnamese President To Lam, the Prime Minister described the Southeast Asian nation as a "key pillar" of New Delhi's "Act East" policy and "Vision Mahasagar."

Recalling the evolution of bilateral ties over the last ten years, PM Modi remarked, "One decade back, during my first visit to Vietnam, Vietnam became India's first Comprehensive Strategic Partner in ASEAN. Since then, our relations have made rapid and comprehensive progress. Along with the civilisational ties, our trade,...