National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Hanoi on 2 November 2026 for an official visit to Vietnam, holding a series of high-level meetings focused on security cooperation, defence ties, and plans to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam in 2027. The visit signals a deepening of bilateral engagement under the framework of the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevated earlier this year.

Commemoration of a Diplomatic Milestone

During a meeting with Vietnam's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Politburo Member of the Communist Party's Central Committee, Le Hoai Trung, both sides discussed ways to mark the 2027 milestone. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam, in a post on X, said: '2027 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam.' The embassy noted that 'both sides discussed ways to commemorate this historic milestone in the spirit of India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.'

India and Vietnam upgraded their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President To Lam's State visit to India in May 2026, making NSA Doval's current visit a follow-through on commitments made at the highest levels.

Security Cooperation at the Centre

Earlier on 2 November, NSA Doval held separate talks with Vietnam's Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Luong Tam Quang, who is also a Politburo Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. According to the Indian Embassy, 'bilateral security cooperation reflects the deep, profound, and mutually trusted civilizational partnership between India and Vietnam.' Both sides agreed to continue promoting existing multifaceted relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Defence Ties on the Agenda

NSA Doval also met Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang. According to the Indian Embassy, the two sides reviewed the status of ongoing defence cooperation and 'agreed to further strengthen activities in this field.' Defence cooperation has been a pillar of India-Vietnam ties, with New Delhi supplying patrol vessels and extending lines of credit for defence procurement in recent years.

Strategic Context: Indo-Pacific and the China Factor

The visit comes amid heightened focus on the Indo-Pacific region, where both India and Vietnam share strategic interests in maintaining a rules-based order. Notably, Vietnam is a key partner in India's Act East Policy, and the two countries' shared concerns over maritime security in the South China Sea give their partnership a significance beyond bilateral trade. This is the latest in a series of high-level exchanges since the partnership was upgraded in May, underscoring the momentum both sides are keen to sustain heading into the anniversary year.

What Comes Next

With 2027 approaching, both governments are expected to announce a calendar of commemorative events and potentially new cooperation frameworks. The discussions in Hanoi suggest that security, defence, and people-to-people ties will feature prominently in the anniversary agenda. NSA Doval's visit is expected to lay the groundwork for a possible leaders-level engagement in the coming months.