What Happened When Rajnath Singh Met Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang in Kuala Lumpur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang in Kuala Lumpur.
- Discussions focused on strengthening India-Vietnam defence cooperation.
- Singh also met Malaysia's Defence Minister to enhance bilateral ties.
- A significant defence framework was signed with the US Secretary of War.
- The meetings underscore India's commitment to regional security.
New Delhi, Nov 1 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged with his Vietnamese counterpart, Gen. Phan Van Giang, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday.
The encounter occurred during the 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), preceding the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
Expressing his contentment over the discussions, Singh shared on X, “Delighted to have met Defence Minister Phan Van Giang in Kuala Lumpur.” Both ministers reviewed the current defence collaboration between India and Vietnam, seeking methods to fortify their strategic and security partnership.
On the previous day, Singh had also conferred with Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. They explored opportunities to enhance the India-Malaysia defence relationship.
“Had an enriching dialogue with Defence Minister Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin in Kuala Lumpur. Discussed ways to bolster the India-Malaysia defence partnership,” Singh remarked on X.
The second edition of the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, chaired by Malaysia, is also underway, featuring Defence Ministers from all ASEAN member nations. The objective is to reinforce defence and security collaboration among ASEAN members and India, advancing the Act East Policy, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Additionally, Singh met with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, where they signed a 10-year 'Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership', marking a significant step in enhancing defence relations between the two countries.
“Had a fruitful meeting with my US counterpart, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in Kuala Lumpur. We formalized the 10-year 'Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership'. This paves the way for a new chapter in our robust defence alliance,” Singh posted on X after the meeting.
“This Defence Framework will offer strategic direction for the entire spectrum of the India-US Defence Relationship. It signifies our deepening strategic alignment and heralds a new decade of collaboration,” he added in his post.
Singh arrived in Malaysia on Thursday for a two-day engagement at the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). He was welcomed by India's High Commissioner to Malaysia, B N Reddy, at the Subang Airbase.