The Defence Minister of Vietnam General Phan Van Giang was today called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the occasion, the President Murmu said that India and Vietnam share a rich history of civilizational and cultural linkages spanning over two thousand years. She added that Vietnam is an important pillar of India's Act East Policy and a key partner of Indo-Pacific Vision.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The President noted that the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has widened the range of bilateral collaboration including in defence and security cooperation, trade and investment relations, energy security, cultural and people-to-people relations. She said that bilateral defence cooperation is one of the strongest elements of this partnership. The President Murmu noted that India-Vietnam defence engagement spans a wide spectrum, including capacity building, industry cooperation, Peacekeeping, and joint exercises.</span><br />