India, Vietnam deepen defence cooperation with focus on maritime security

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi on Tuesday (May 19, 2026), with both sides agreeing to further strengthen defence and strategic cooperation.

The Ministry of Defence stated that the discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in maritime security, defence industry, military training, cyber security, capacity building and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also reviewed regional and global security developments and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in the region.

Both countries agreed to expand cooperation through regular dialogues, joint military exercises and exchange programmes between their armed forces. Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s defence modernisation and capacity enhancement initiatives under the bilateral defence cooperation framework, it added.

General Phan Van Giang appreciated India’s continued support and highlighted the long-standing friendship and growing strategic partnership between the two countries.

AI, language labs

During the visit, the two Defence Ministers virtually inaugurated a ‘language lab’ at the Air Force Officers’ College in Vietnam, established with Indian assistance. Mr. Singh also announced the setting up of an Artificial Intelligence lab at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang, it added.

In another key development, India’s Military College of Telecommunications Engineering and Vietnam’s Telecommunications University signed an MoU on cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology.

Later, Mr. Singh called on Vietnam’s President and General Secretary To Lam and conveyed greetings from India’s President and Prime Minister. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in defence, trade, connectivity, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties under the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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