How Are India and Vietnam Enhancing Defence and Shipbuilding Cooperation?
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Synopsis
India and Vietnam are taking significant strides to reinforce their defence and shipbuilding cooperation. With key discussions held during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's visit to Hanoi, both nations are set to enhance their strategic partnership in defence manufacturing and military exercises.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened Defence Ties: India and Vietnam are enhancing their defence cooperation.
- Shipbuilding Collaboration: Discussions included ways to improve shipbuilding partnerships.
- Bodhi Tree Symbolism: Planting a Bodhi tree highlights cultural connections.
- VINBAX 2025: A military exercise to enhance operational interoperability.
- Strategic Agreements: MOUs signed to support submarine search and rescue operations.
Hanoi, Nov 12 (NationPress) During a significant visit to Hanoi for the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue, India and Vietnam explored avenues to bolster cooperation in the defence sector and shipbuilding. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited the Hong Ha Shipyard and engaged in discussions with Major General Pham Thanh Khiet, who serves as the Deputy Director and Chief of Staff of the General Department of Defence Intelligence (GDDI) and the Director of the Hong Ha Shipyard.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh was welcomed by Maj Gen Pham Thanh Khiet during his visit to Hong Ha Shipyard, where both parties deliberated on strategies to elevate defence industry and shipbuilding collaboration. Singh emphasized India's premier defence manufacturing capabilities under the vision of ‘Make in India – Make for the World’.
On the previous day, Singh commemorated the visit by planting a Bodhi tree sapling at the historic Phap Van pagoda, accompanied by Thich Thanh Nhieu, the Standing Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS).
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam highlighted on X that Buddhism serves as a celestial connection between India and Vietnam. Defence Secretary Shri R. K. Singh planted a Bodhi tree sapling at the Phap Van pagoda alongside Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu.
Additionally, Singh and Vietnam's Deputy Chief of General Staff Sr Lt Gen Phung Si Tan oversaw the inauguration of the sixth edition of the India–Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX 2025. The Indian Embassy noted that exercise VINBAX aims to enhance interoperability and share best practices in UN peacekeeping operations.
This bilateral military exercise, VINBAX, is designed to improve operational coordination and exchange effective strategies in UN peacekeeping initiatives. The upcoming sixth edition is focused on strengthening defence collaboration.
On Monday, Singh met with Vietnam's Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, during the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue in Hanoi, where both nations pledged to reinforce defence partnerships in vital areas.
During their meeting, Singh extended greetings from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and reiterated India's commitment to enhancing defence ties with Vietnam.
Singh and the Vietnam Deputy Minister of National Defence Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien co-chaired the 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation, along with a Letter of Intent aimed at improving defence industry collaboration.
Point of View
The ongoing discussions between India and Vietnam signify a pivotal moment in enhancing bilateral relations. The commitment to strengthen defence cooperation underscores both nations' dedication to regional security and stability, reflecting a strategic alignment that can bolster their positions on the global stage.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main objectives of the India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue?
The main objectives include enhancing defence cooperation, improving shipbuilding collaboration, and sharing best practices in UN peacekeeping operations.
Who attended the recent Defence Policy Dialogue in Hanoi?
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam's Deputy Minister of National Defence Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien co-chaired the dialogue.
What was the significance of the Bodhi tree planting ceremony?
The Bodhi tree planting symbolizes the strong cultural and historical ties between India and Vietnam, particularly through Buddhism.
What is the purpose of the VINBAX military exercise?
The VINBAX military exercise aims to enhance interoperability and share best practices in UN peacekeeping operations between India and Vietnam.
What agreements were signed during the dialogue?
A Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and a Letter of Intent on strengthening defence industry collaboration were signed.
