Hanoi: India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval participated in the funeral proceedings of Nguyen Phu Trong, the late General Secretary of Vietnam's powerful Communist Party, on Thursday. Trong, who had been a dominant figure in Vietnamese politics since 2011, passed away last week at the age of 80 after months of ill-health. His death marks a significant moment in Vietnam, initiating a succession struggle within the party.

Nguyen Phu Trong's Legacy and the Funeral

The General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party is considered Vietnam's most powerful politician. Trong was renowned for his anti-corruption campaign, famously dubbed the “blazing furnace,” which targeted both business and political elites. His leadership has left a profound impact on the nation's political landscape.

Trong's coffin, draped in the red and yellow of Vietnam's flag, was placed beneath his smiling portrait and numerous medals at the National Funeral House in Hanoi. During the two days of national mourning, flags flew at half-mast, and all sports and entertainment activities were suspended. Trong will be laid to rest at the Mai Dich cemetery later today.

NSA Doval's Tribute and India's Condolences

While attending the state funeral, NSA Ajit Doval extended India's condolences to Vietnam President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Trong's family. Accompanied by the Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Doval expressed India's solidarity with the people and leaders of Vietnam in their time of grief.

On the same day, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi, paying tribute on behalf of the Government and people of India. Singh laid a wreath, expressed condolences to the Ambassador, and recalled Trong's significant contributions to strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Vietnam.

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Vietnam's Appreciation and Bilateral Relations

During a meeting on Wednesday, Vietnam PM Pham Minh Chinh expressed gratitude to the Indian Government and people for their heartfelt affection for Trong by sending a high-ranking official to attend the state funeral. "This demonstrates the affection of close friends, as well as the precious tradition between the two peoples of Vietnam and India," stated the Vietnam PMO.

In response, Doval emphasized that Trong was widely respected globally, including in India, and appreciated his efforts in enhancing India-Vietnam relations. He reiterated India's commitment to the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam and expressed hope for further deepening bilateral ties.

Indian Leaders and Parliament's Condolences

Both Houses of the Indian Parliament on July 22 expressed their deepest condolences to the people and leadership of Vietnam on Trong's passing. Parliament noted his wise leadership in Vietnam’s progress and his contributions to India-Vietnam friendship. Trong's state visit to India in 2013 and his meeting with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in Hanoi in April 2022 were also recalled.

President Droupadi Murmu conveyed heartfelt condolences to President To Lam on behalf of the Government and people of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed sadness over Trong's passing, extending his deepest condolences and solidarity with Vietnam's people and leadership.

Global Leaders Attend the Funeral

The state funeral was attended by numerous global leaders, underscoring Trong's international influence. Attendees included South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Wang Huning, the fourth-ranked leader in the Chinese Communist Party, former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and Cuban National Assembly President Esteban Lazo Hernandez. These dignitaries, along with NSA Doval, highlighted the significance of Trong's legacy and the robust ties between Vietnam and the international community.

Conclusion

The state funeral of Nguyen Phu Trong marked a significant moment in Vietnam's history, with NSA Ajit Doval's attendance underscoring the strong bilateral relations between India and Vietnam. Trong's contributions to his country and his impact on international relations were honored by leaders from around the world, reflecting the profound respect and admiration he garnered throughout his lifetime. The event also highlighted the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between India and Vietnam, promising continued collaboration and mutual respect in the years to come.

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