India and Vietnam today signed seven pacts which include the key points like oil and gas cooperation and extension of a USD 100 million credit by India for defence purchases.
The pact also called for “freedom” of navigation in the South China Sea, a remark that could irk China which has been claiming territorial sovereignty over the high seas.
President Pranab Mukerjee is on a four-day-visit to Vietnam where he met his counterpart on the second day.
The agreements were signed by Pranab Mukerjee and Truong Tan Sang in Hanoi.
“The leaders reiterated their desire and determination to work together to maintain peace, stability, growth and prosperity in Asia. They agreed that freedom of navigation in the East Sea/South China Sea should not be impeded and called the parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid threat or use of force and resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the UNCLOS-1982,” said a joint communique issued after the meeting.
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