India and Vietnam Strengthen Defence Ties During Rajnath Singh’s Hanoi Visit

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s defence modernisation and capacity-building efforts under the framework of bilateral cooperation.

India and Vietnam have reaffirmed their growing strategic partnership and commitment to deeper defence cooperation following high-level talks between Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi on 19 May 2026.

The bilateral meeting focused on expanding cooperation in maritime security, defence industry collaboration, military training, regional stability, and emerging technologies as both countries continue strengthening their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The visit comes amid increasing geopolitical focus on the Indo-Pacific region, where India and Vietnam have emerged as important strategic partners committed to maintaining regional peace, stability, and freedom of navigation.

Defence Ministers Review Expanding Strategic Partnership

During the meeting, both leaders reviewed the progress achieved in bilateral defence cooperation and explored new avenues to deepen military and strategic engagement.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and global security developments and stressed the importance of preserving peace, security, safety, and freedom of navigation across the Indo-Pacific.

Officials said discussions covered a broad range of defence and security cooperation areas, including:

• Maritime security;

• Military training;

• Defence industry partnerships;

• Capacity building;

• Cyber security;

• United Nations peacekeeping operations;

• Joint military exercises, and

• High-level defence exchanges.

The ministers also agreed to strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of both countries through regular institutional dialogues and exchange programmes.

India Reaffirms Support for Vietnam's Defence Modernisation

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting Vietnam's defence modernisation and capacity-building efforts under the framework of bilateral cooperation.

He emphasised that defence cooperation remains a key pillar of the India–Vietnam relationship and forms an important component of the broader Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

India has increasingly expanded defence engagement with Vietnam over the past decade through training support, naval cooperation, defence credit lines, military exchanges, and technology collaboration.

Strategic analysts say the growing partnership reflects both countries' shared interest in maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vietnam Appreciates India's Continued Support

General Phan Van Giang welcomed India's ongoing support and praised the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

He highlighted the growing strategic trust and cooperation between India and Vietnam, particularly in defence and regional security matters.

Vietnam has consistently viewed India as an important strategic partner in Asia, particularly in areas such as maritime security, defence technology, and regional stability.

India Supports Defence Education and Technology Development

As part of the visit, both Defence Ministers virtually inaugurated a new Language Laboratory at the Air Force Officers' College in Vietnam, established with Indian assistance.

The facility is expected to strengthen language training and improve defence educational cooperation between the two countries.

Rajnath Singh also announced the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

The initiative reflects growing cooperation in emerging technologies and advanced defence research.

MoU Signed on Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology

In another significant development, the Military College of Telecommunications Engineering of India and the Telecommunications University of Vietnam exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology.

The agreement is expected to strengthen collaborative research, academic exchanges, innovation, and technological development in advanced defence and digital sectors.

Experts say the partnership demonstrates increasing focus by both countries on future-oriented technologies that are likely to shape defence capabilities and cyber security in coming decades.

Rajnath Singh Meets Vietnam President To Lam

Following the defence talks, Rajnath Singh also called on Vietnam's General Secretary and President Mr To Lam.

During the meeting, the Raksha Mantri conveyed warm greetings from the President and Prime Minister of India and reiterated India's commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation across several strategic sectors.

Key areas discussed included:

• Defence and security;

• Trade and investment;

• Maritime cooperation;

• Connectivity;

• Digital transformation, and

• People-to-people exchanges.

Both leaders reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship between India and Vietnam, built upon shared civilisational links, mutual trust, and common strategic interests.

They also expressed satisfaction over the continued expansion of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam Recognises India as Key Strategic Partner

President To Lam warmly recalled his earlier visit to India and acknowledged India's growing role as a major development and strategic partner for Vietnam.

He particularly welcomed the strengthening defence relationship between the two nations and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to grow in the years ahead.

Vietnam has increasingly emerged as an important partner in India's "Act East Policy" and Indo-Pacific strategic engagement framework.

Tribute to Ho Chi Minh on 136th Birth Anniversary

Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Vietnam's founding father and former President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi on the occasion of his 136th birth anniversary.

In a post shared on social media platform X, the Raksha Mantri praised Ho Chi Minh's leadership and enduring legacy.

"His vision, leadership and enduring commitment to national liberation and global solidarity continue to inspire generations. He also laid foundation of strong India-Vietnam friendship which remains rooted in shared values and mutual respect," Singh said.

Growing Indo-Pacific Cooperation

India and Vietnam continue to strengthen cooperation amid evolving strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

Both countries share concerns regarding maritime security, regional stability, and the importance of maintaining international law and freedom of navigation in strategic waterways.

Defence experts believe the latest agreements and high-level engagements demonstrate the growing maturity of the India–Vietnam strategic relationship and underline the importance both countries attach to regional peace, technological cooperation, and defence modernisation.