New Delhi/Hanoi: Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed India’s commitment to expanding defense cooperation with Vietnam during his visit to Hanoi, underscoring the growing strategic importance of ties between the two countries.
Meeting Vietnamese President To Lam, Singh conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stressed that defense cooperation remains a central pillar of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam.
In a message shared on social media, Singh described the relationship between the two nations as one built on ‘mutual trust, shared values, and close cooperation’ in defense, security, and regional stability.
Tôi vinh dự được chào xã giao Tổng Bí thư, Chủ tịch nước Việt Nam trong chuyến thăm Việt Nam lần này. Tôi đã chuyển lời thăm hỏi thân tình của Thủ tướng Narendra Modi và tái khẳng định cam kết của Ấn Độ trong việc tiếp tục làm sâu sắc hơn hợp tác quốc… https://t.co/2E6AjCDpvQ
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 19, 2026
During his visit, Singh also held detailed talks with Vietnam’s Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang. The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in maritime security, defense manufacturing, military training, and regional peace efforts, reflecting the growing convergence between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
India and Vietnam also expanded cooperation in emerging technologies during the visit. Both sides jointly inaugurated a Language Lab at Vietnam’s Air Force Officers College, developed with Indian assistance. Singh further announced the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Lab at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang.
An important Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum technology was also exchanged between India’s Military College of Telecommunications Engineering and Vietnam’s Telecommunications University.
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. India… pic.twitter.com/4WruDhDCx6
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 19, 2026
Officials described the agreement as another major step towards boosting technological and defense cooperation under the upgraded strategic partnership.
Earlier in the day, Singh paid tribute to Vietnam’s founding leader, Ho Chi Minh, at his mausoleum in Hanoi on the occasion of his 136th birth anniversary. He praised Ho Chi Minh’s leadership and his enduring contribution to national liberation and global solidarity, saying the India-Vietnam friendship continues to be rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
Singh arrived in Hanoi on Monday for a two-day visit that comes at a significant moment in bilateral relations. This year marks a decade of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam, which was recently elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during President To Lam’s visit to India earlier this month.
Paid homage to the founding father of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh, at Mausoleum on his 136th birth anniversary.
His vision, leadership and enduring commitment to national liberation and global solidarity continue to inspire generations. India-Vietnam friendship remains… pic.twitter.com/fsOJYmy3q4
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 19, 2026
Warmly recalling his visit to India, President To Lam appreciated the increasing engagement between the two nations and acknowledged India as a trusted partner in Vietnam’s development and strategic priorities. He also welcomed the steady expansion of defense ties and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to grow stronger in the coming years.
