New Delhi: 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 on Tuesday.
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, according to an official statement.
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 also discussed avenues to expand cooperation in areas including military training, defence industry collaboration, maritime security, capacity building, UN 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.
Rajnath 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.
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 the Language Lab at Air Force Officers’ College, Vietnam. This lab has been established with Indian Assistance. Rajnath also announced the setting up of an Artificial Intelligence Lab at the Telecommunications University at Nha Trang.
Military College of Telecommunications Engineering, India, and Telecommunications 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, the Indian defence minister called the General Secretary and President of Vietnam, 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.
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.
