How Are India and Vietnam Strengthening Defence Cooperation?
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Synopsis
India and Vietnam are taking significant strides in defence cooperation, highlighted during the recent Defence Policy Dialogue. With key agreements signed and a commitment to strengthen ties, both nations are solidifying their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. Explore how this collaboration impacts regional security and stability.
Key Takeaways
- Significant defence agreements signed between India and Vietnam.
- Strengthened ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Focus on UN peacekeeping and counter-terrorism.
- Importance of training exchanges and joint exercises.
- Vietnam’s role in India's Act East Policy.
Hanoi, Nov 10 (NationPress) Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Vietnam's Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, during the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue in Hanoi on Monday, as both nations pledged to enhance defence cooperation in vital sectors.
In their discussions, Singh conveyed warm regards from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and reiterated India's dedication to fortifying defence ties with Vietnam.
"Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh engaged with Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, Gen Phan Van Giang, during the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue. He delivered greetings from Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and emphasized India's commitment to further reinforcing defence collaboration with its strategic ally, Vietnam," as mentioned by the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, on X.
Earlier that day, Singh and Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of National Defence, co-chaired the 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue. They signed a Memorandum of Agreement regarding Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation, along with a Letter of Intent aimed at enhancing collaboration in the defence industry.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, "Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue in Hanoi with Vietnam Deputy Minister of National Defence Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien. They signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation, as well as a Letter of Intent for strengthening Defence Industry collaboration. The discussions reaffirmed that Defence Partnership is a key pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam."
It's noteworthy that the 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue occurred in New Delhi in 2024. Defence collaboration stands as a significant pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. Vietnam plays a crucial role in India's Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Region, as per earlier statements from the Ministry of Defence.
In October, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi met with Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, during the United Nations Chiefs of the Counter-Terrorism Conference (UNTCC) 2025. The officials reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering defence cooperation, concentrating on UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and strategic coordination.
"On the sidelines of UNTCC 2025, #General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, engaged in a constructive dialogue with Senior Lieutenant General NGUYEN VAN NGHIA, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Vietnam People’s Army. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, focusing on UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and strategic coordination. They also highlighted the importance of enhanced collaboration through training exchanges and joint exercises," reported the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) on X.
Point of View
The ongoing defence collaboration between India and Vietnam underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in ensuring regional security. It reflects India's commitment to its Act East Policy and the broader Indo-Pacific strategy. As both nations enhance their military ties, it is crucial to monitor the evolving dynamics of this partnership in the context of global security and stability.
NationPress
11/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What agreements were signed during the Defence Policy Dialogue?
During the 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue, a Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation and a Letter of Intent on strengthening defence industry collaboration were signed.
How does Vietnam fit into India's Act East Policy?
Vietnam is a key partner in India's Act East Policy, playing a vital role in enhancing India's strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
What is the significance of the Defence Partnership between India and Vietnam?
The Defence Partnership is a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam, crucial for regional security and stability.
When did the 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue take place?
The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue was held in New Delhi in 2024.
What focus areas were discussed in the recent meetings?
The recent meetings focused on UN peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, strategic coordination, and enhancing collaboration through training exchanges and joint exercises.
