India and Vietnam are deepening defense cooperation with a focus on maritime security

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh during a bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense Lt. Gen. Phan Van Giang on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) in Hanoi. | Photo credit: ANI

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi on Tuesday (May 19, 2026), with both sides agreeing to further strengthen defense and strategic cooperation.

A new phase of India-Vietnam strategic partnership

The Defense Ministry said the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in maritime security, defense 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, security and freedom of navigation in the region.

The two countries agreed to expand cooperation through regular dialogues, joint military exercises and exchange programs between their armed forces. Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to support Vietnam’s defense modernization and capacity building initiatives under bilateral defense cooperation, he 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 defense ministers virtually inaugurated a “language laboratory” at the Air Force Officers’ College in Vietnam, set up with Indian help. Mr Singh also announced the establishment of an artificial intelligence laboratory at Nha Trang University of Telecommunications, he added.

In another key development, India’s Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and Vietnam’s University of Telecommunications signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

Later, Mr Singh called on Vietnamese President and Secretary General To Lam and conveyed greetings from the Indian President and Prime Minister. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in defense, trade, connectivity, maritime cooperation and people-to-people relations under the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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

Published – 19 May 2026 20:41 IST