India and Vietnam on Tuesday reviewed their growing defence partnership during a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in maritime security, defence manufacturing, military training, and regional stability.

Sharing details of the meeting on X, Rajnath Singh described the talks as productive and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. He noted that both sides explored new opportunities to strengthen defence ties as cooperation between the two nations continues to expand. During the visit, Rajnath Singh and Phan Van Giang jointly inaugurated a new Language Laboratory at the Vietnam Air Force Officer College. The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding related to artificial intelligence and quantum technology, marking another step forward in strategic and technological collaboration.

Rajnath Singh highlighted the long-standing historical relationship between India and Vietnam. He said it was an honour to visit Vietnam during the 136th birth anniversary celebrations of former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, whose 1958 visit to India helped lay the foundation for strong bilateral ties. The Defence Minister further pointed out that the meeting comes at a significant moment, as the two countries complete ten years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has recently been elevated to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

Expressing optimism about future cooperation, Singh said the discussions in Hanoi would help strengthen defence engagement and create new avenues for collaboration in the coming years. Rajnath Singh arrived in Hanoi on Monday as part of a two-nation Indo-Pacific tour aimed at strengthening India’s strategic and defence partnerships in the region. The visit follows the recent trip of Vietnamese leader To Lam to New Delhi, reflecting growing momentum in bilateral relations. Vietnam is the first stop of the Defence Minister’s tour, after which he is expected to travel to South Korea, where discussions are likely to focus on defence manufacturing, military industry partnerships, and advanced technology cooperation.