Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi on Tuesday for bilateral talks, with both the leaders reviewing the growing defence partnership and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in maritime security and defence industry.
The two countries discussed avenues to expand cooperation in areas including military training, defence industry collaboration, maritime security, capacity building, United Nations peacekeeping, cyber security and high-level exchanges, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday. They also agreed to enhance cooperation between their defence forces through regular dialogues, joint exercises and exchange programmes, as per the Ministry.
Mutual Interests
With Vietnam also having boundary issues with China, the two sides exchanged views on regional and global security developments of mutual interest and emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Ministry stated that Singh reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening India’s Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and reiterated India’s resolve in supporting Vietnam’s defence modernisation and capacity enhancement initiatives under the framework of bilateral defence cooperation.
AI and Quantam Tech
The two defence ministers virtually inaugurated Language Lab at Air Force Officers’ College in Vietnam, which has been established with Indian assistance. Singh also announced setting-up of Artificial Intelligence Lab at Tele Communications University at Nha Trang.
India’s Military College of Telecommunications Engineering and Tele Communications University, Vietnam also exchanged an MoU in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology, marking another important chapter in the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, the statement read.
After the bilateral meeting, Singh called the General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam.
Published on May 19, 2026