New Delhi, May 19
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi today. Both Ministers reviewed the growing defence partnership between the two countries and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in maritime security, defence industry, training & regional stability.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and global security developments of mutual interest and emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. They discussed avenues to expand cooperation in areas including military training, defence industry collaboration, maritime security, capacity building, United Nations peacekeeping, cyber security and high-level exchanges. They also agreed to enhance cooperation between the defence forces of the two countries through regular dialogues, joint exercises and exchange programmes.
Singh reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening India’s Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. He reiterated India’s resolve in supporting Vietnam’s defence modernisation and capacity enhancement initiatives under the framework of bilateral defence cooperation. General Phan Van Giang appreciated India’s continued support and underscored the long-standing friendship and growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
The two Defence Ministers virtually inaugurated Language Lab at Air Force Officers’ College, Vietnam. This lab has been established with Indian Assistance. Raksha Mantri also announced setting-up of Artificial Intelligence Lab at Tele Communications University at Nha Trang. Military College of Telecommunications Engineering, India and Tele Communications University, Vietnam also exchanged an MoU in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology, marking another important chapter in the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
After the bilateral meeting, Raksha Mantri called the General Secretary and President of Vietnam Mr To Lam. He conveyed warm greetings from the President & Prime Minister of India and reiterated India’s commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, including defence and security, trade and investment, maritime cooperation, connectivity, digital transformation and people-to-people exchanges.
The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring friendship between India and Vietnam, rooted in shared civilisational links, mutual trust and common strategic interests. They expressed satisfaction at the continued growth of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Warmly recalling his visit to India, the President of Vietnam appreciated the growing bilateral engagement and acknowledged India’s role as a key partner in Vietnam’s development and strategic priorities. He welcomed the expanding defence cooperation as key pillar of Enhanced Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to strengthen in the years ahead.
Singh began the day’s engagements by paying homage to the founding father of Vietnam, former President Ho Chi Minh, at the Mausoleum on his 136th birth anniversary. “His vision, leadership and enduring commitment to national liberation and global solidarity continue to inspire generations. He also laid foundation od strong India-Vietnam friendship which remains rooted in shared values and mutual respect,” he said in a post on X. India and Vietnam share a strong bond rooted in mutual trust, shared values and close cooperation in defence, security and regional stability.
