India, Vietnam discuss defence, maritime security cooperation

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held wide-ranging bilateral discussions with Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang in Hanoi, with the two leaders reviewing ongoing defence cooperation and exchanging views on regional security and strategic collaboration.
In a post on X, Singh said, “Held a productive bilateral meeting with Gen. Phan Van Giang, Defence Minister of Vietnam. We reviewed the growing India-Vietnam defence partnership and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in maritime security, defence industry, training, and regional stability.”He added that India remains committed to further strengthening its Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam.

Held a productive bilateral meeting with Gen. Phan Van Giang, Defence Minister of Vietnam. We reviewed the growing India-Vietnam defence partnership and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in maritime security, defence industry, training and regional stability. India… pic.twitter.com/4WruDhDCx6

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 19, 2026

During the visit, the two countries jointly inaugurated a Language Lab set up at the Air Force Officers College in Vietnam and also exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum technology.“Glad that both sides also exchanged an MoU in the field of AI and quantum technology, marking another important step in our Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Singh said.Addressing the bilateral meeting, the Defence Minister underlined the long-standing friendship between India and Vietnam, saying the relationship has been built on mutual trust and strong defence cooperation over the years.“India and Vietnam have shared deep and cordial relations for a long time, based on a strong foundation of defence cooperation and mutual trust,” he stated.
Singh also paid tribute to former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh on his 136th birth anniversary and acknowledged his role in strengthening ties between the two nations.“He was a visionary leader who is held in high regard in India. His historic visit to India in 1958 laid a strong foundation for lasting relations between the two countries,” Singh said.

The Defence Minister described the visit as particularly significant as it coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam.“It is a milestone that reflects the depth, maturity, and strength of our bilateral relations. I am glad that during your recent visit to India, it has now been upgraded to an ‘Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’,” he said.Expressing confidence over future engagement, Singh said the discussions would help expand defence cooperation and create new opportunities for collaboration in the years ahead.