Vietnam backs India’s oil ‘exploration’ work

[Vikrant]

NEW DELHI: As China finally agrees to dialogue for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, Vietnam continues to strongly back "exploration and exploitation" work by India in parts of the region that fall under Vietnam's exclusive economic zone.

After their 15th Joint Commission Meeting here, the two countries also inked an agreement for a $19.5 million Line of Credit that India will extend to Vietnam.

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Vietnam backs India?s oil ?exploration? work - The Times of India

 

[Mr. H.]

This seems much ado about nothing.
BTW why the quotations around 'exploration'?

 

[Vikrant]

In British English, when the intended meaning of a word is not clear, it is often placed under single quotes. Vietnam referred to it as exploration but there is no actual exploration going on at the moment. I think the block was awarded to India by Vietnam for exploration purpose about a year ago or so but China created so much tension that India backed off. However, India may be reconsidering its earlier decision due to China's constant unwarranted provocations. I believe Indians inadvertently sent a wrong message to China by backing off exploration.