The article said one of the mainstays of Indian foreign policy under the Modi government has been its “Act East Policy,” which aims to bolster India’s closer engagement with Southeast Asia and East Asia. Vietnam is a key element of this policy (known earlier as the “Look East Policy”). Hanoi is important for India’s outreach efforts in the Southeast Asian region, besides New Delhi’s plans for increasing its connectivity with the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). India is constructing the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway (which is expected to be completed by 2019) and this could be linked up with pre-existing roads, all the way to Vietnam. While India’s ties with Vietnam have been progressing fast on all fronts, it is important for both the sides to address the challenges confronting the relationship in order for it to reach its full potential, according to The Diplomat.