India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc discussed issues related to the South China Sea as well as defence links between the two countries during a virtual summit this week.
The two leaders underscored the importance of "self-restraint" and "non-militarisation" of the South China Sea while drawing up a road map for closer defence ties.
The South China Sea featured prominently in Monday's talks, which came at a time when both countries have seen a downturn in their respective ties with China.
Mr Modi stressed that the Code of Conduct negotiations on the South China Sea should not prejudice the interest of other countries in the region, said Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Riva Ganguly Das.