Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Holds Key Defence Talks with Vietnam Leadership in Hanoi

Hanoi, May 19, 2026: Defence cooperation between India and Vietnam received a fresh boost as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral discussions with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi on Monday. The meeting focused on expanding strategic defence ties, maritime security cooperation and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the talks, both leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Vietnam defence partnership and explored ways to strengthen cooperation in military training, defence production, cyber security, capacity building and high-level defence exchanges. The two sides also underlined the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment towards further strengthening the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. He stated that India remains dedicated to supporting Vietnam’s defence modernisation and capability enhancement initiatives through bilateral cooperation frameworks.

Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang appreciated India’s continued support and highlighted the deep-rooted friendship and growing strategic partnership between the two nations.

In a significant development, both Defence Ministers virtually inaugurated a Language Laboratory at the Air Force Officers’ College in Vietnam, established with Indian assistance. Rajnath Singh also announced the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang.

Further expanding technological cooperation, India’s Military College of Telecommunications Engineering and Vietnam’s Telecommunications University exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology.

Following the bilateral talks, Rajnath Singh also met Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam and conveyed greetings from India’s leadership. The discussions covered defence, maritime cooperation, trade, connectivity, digital transformation and people-to-people relations.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the growing India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral engagement in the coming years.

Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh paid tribute to former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh on his 136th birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary leader whose ideals continue to inspire generations and strengthen India-Vietnam friendship.