Hanoi : Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a high-level bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi, where both sides reviewed the growing defence engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to the India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership.
The discussions under the India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership focused on expanding cooperation in maritime security, defence industry collaboration, training, cyber security, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Both ministers emphasized the need to ensure peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in international waters.
India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership Deepens Cooperation in Maritime Security, Defence Production and Joint Exercises
As part of the India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership, both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in maritime security operations, defence production, and capacity building. The two sides also discussed enhancing joint exercises and regular defence dialogues to improve operational coordination.
Có cuộc gặp song phương hiệu quả với Đại tướng Phan Văn Giang, Bộ trưởng Quốc phòng Việt Nam. Hai bên đã xem xét mối quan hệ đối tác quốc phòng ngày càng phát triển giữa Ấn Độ và Việt Nam và thảo luận các cách thức để tăng cường hơn nữa hợp tác trong… pic.twitter.com/byFhvHMJ2D
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 19, 2026
They exchanged views on regional and global security challenges and reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining a stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific region under the India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership framework.
AI and Language Labs Mark Major Technology Collaboration
A key highlight of the India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership was the virtual inauguration of a Language Lab at the Air Force Officers’ College in Vietnam, established with Indian assistance. Additionally, Raksha Mantri announced the setting up of an Artificial Intelligence Lab at the Tele Communications University in Nha Trang.
Further strengthening the India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership, an MoU was exchanged between India’s Military College of Telecommunications Engineering and Vietnam’s Tele Communications University in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology.
Commitment to Indo-Pacific Peace and Stability
Both sides reaffirmed that the India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime routes and promoting a free, open, and inclusive regional order.
The ministers also highlighted the need for continued cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping missions and cyber security initiatives.
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Leadership Engagement Reinforces Bilateral Trust
Following the meeting, Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam, conveying greetings from India’s leadership and reaffirming India’s commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
The India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership was further highlighted as both leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of bilateral relations and agreed to strengthen engagement in defence, trade, connectivity, and digital transformation.
Historical Ties and Shared Vision for Future Cooperation
Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Vietnam’s founding father Ho Chi Minh on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his lasting influence on global solidarity and India–Vietnam friendship.
The India Vietnam Strategic Defence Partnership continues to reflect deep-rooted trust, shared values, and a strong vision for regional and global cooperation, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.