India and Vietnam have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and industrial cooperation during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s visit to Hanoi for the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue. The visit underscored growing strategic ties between the two nations, with a particular focus on expanding collaboration in defence manufacturing and shipbuilding.
During his visit, Singh toured the Hong Ha Shipyard and met Major General Pham Thanh Khiet, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff at the General Department of Defence Intelligence (GDDI), who also serves as the shipyard’s Director. Both sides discussed new opportunities for defence industrial partnerships, with Singh emphasizing India’s expertise in advanced manufacturing under the “Make in India – Make for the World” initiative.
The Defence Ministry noted that these discussions reflect a shared commitment to self-reliance and regional security. Singh’s visit to Hong Ha Shipyard marked a symbolic step in fostering maritime and shipbuilding cooperation between India and Vietnam, two nations with significant stakes in the Indo-Pacific region.
Earlier, Singh visited the historic Phap Van Pagoda, where he planted a Bodhi tree sapling alongside Thich Thanh Nhieu, Standing Vice President of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The Indian Embassy highlighted this moment on X, describing Buddhism as a “celestial link” uniting the two countries through shared cultural and spiritual heritage.
Singh also co-chaired the 15th Defence Policy Dialogue with Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien. The two sides signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation, as well as a Letter of Intent to strengthen defence industry collaboration. These agreements are expected to enhance operational synergy and technological partnership in the coming years.
Additionally, Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Chief of General Staff, Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, inaugurated the sixth edition of Exercise VINBAX 2025. This bilateral military exercise aims to improve interoperability and the exchange of best practices in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Singh also held talks with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, conveying greetings from India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and reaffirming India’s commitment to deepen defence cooperation.
The visit marked a new chapter in India–Vietnam relations, enhancing trust and collaboration across strategic, industrial, and cultural fronts, and reinforcing both nations’ shared vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
