NSA Ajit Doval Holds Talks with Vietnam's Defence Minister to Strengthen Bilateral Military Cooperation in Hanoi

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday held a meeting with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in Hanoi, to review ongoing defence cooperation and discuss ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, both sides assessed the progress of existing defence engagements and agreed to expand cooperation in the sector.

The Embassy of India in Vietnam confirmed the development in a post on X, stating that Doval and General Giang discussed the current status of bilateral defence cooperation and explored opportunities for deeper engagement. Doval arrived in Hanoi on Sunday on an official visit to Vietnam. During his stay, he is scheduled to meet senior Vietnamese leaders to review the progress of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam.

The visit comes months after the two countries elevated their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President To Lam's visit to India in May 2026. During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President To Lam held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relations, regional developments and global issues of mutual interest.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation to support their respective national development goals, including India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Vietnam's Vision 2045. They also reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030, which serves as a framework for expanding defence cooperation.

The latest meeting between Doval and General Giang follows continued engagement between the two countries on regional and international security issues. Last month, India and Vietnam held the fourth edition of their Security Dialogue in New Delhi, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, economic security and emerging technologies.

The dialogue was co-chaired by India's Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor and Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Pham The Tung. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both delegations conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing security cooperation and exchanged views on the regional and global security environment.

The two sides also reiterated their commitment to strengthening collaboration on matters of shared interest. The India-Vietnam Security Dialogue is held every two years under a 2016 Memorandum of Understanding between India's National Security Council Secretariat and Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. Doval's visit highlights the growing importance of India-Vietnam relations, with defence and security cooperation continuing to play a central role in the partnership. Both countries are seeking to deepen strategic engagement and strengthen coordination on emerging regional and global challenges.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.