"India remains committed to strengthening partnership with Vietnam": Defence Minister holds bilateral talks with Vietnam
Hanoi, May 19
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held bilateral talks with Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang in Hanoi, with both sides reviewing defence cooperation and regional security amid growing strategic ties between India and Vietnam.
In a post on X, Singh said the meeting focused on expanding cooperation in maritime security, the defence industry, military training and regional stability.
"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," Singh said.
He added, "India remains committed to strengthening its Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam."
During the visit, the two sides jointly inaugurated a Language Lab established at the Air Force Officers College in Vietnam and exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) 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 stated.
Addressing the bilateral meeting, the Indian Defence Minister highlighted the historical depth of ties between the two nations.
"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 said.
Singh also paid tribute to former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh on his 136th birth anniversary, noting his importance in India-Vietnam relations.
"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 his visit as significant because it coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. "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.
"I am confident that our discussion today will further strengthen our defence cooperation and open new avenues for cooperation in the coming years," Singh added.
Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage to the founding father of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi on the occasion of his 136th birth anniversary.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see India strengthening ties with ASEAN countries. Vietnam and India have historical connections that go back centuries - from Buddhism to the Champa kingdoms. Hope this translates into real economic benefits for both sides, not just military deals.
Interesting timing with the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. India's "Act East" policy is clearly paying off. Vietnam is a key counterweight in the region, and this language lab at the Air Force Officers College is a nice soft power touch.
Respect for paying tribute to Ho Chi Minh on his birth anniversary 🇮🇳🤝🇻🇳 These small gestures matter in diplomacy. However, I hope the defence cooperation doesn't just remain at the MoU level - we need concrete outcomes like joint exercises and technology transfers.
India-Vietnam ties are genuinely special - both countries have been through similar colonial experiences and understand each other's strategic autonomy. The AI and quantum tech MoU is particularly forward-looking. But I'd like to see more public discussion about what this means for ordinary citizens in both countries.
A well-timed visit. With the current global uncertainties, India needs strong partners like Vietnam. The maritime security cooperation is crucial given the South China Sea situation. However, I hope our government also focuses on boosting trade and cultural exchanges, not just defence. All-round partnership is the need of the hour.
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