National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval has briefed Vietnamese President To Lam on the outcomes of his high-level discussions with Vietnam’s senior leadership during his official visit to Hanoi, highlighting India’s continued efforts to strengthen its strategic partnership with the Southeast Asian nation. The visit, held on November 1-2, 2026, focused on expanding cooperation across defence, national security, intelligence, maritime affairs and economic security.
During his meeting with President To Lam, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Doval conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s continued support in advancing bilateral relations. He also recalled President Lam’s state visit to India in May 2026, during which both countries elevated their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing strategic importance of their engagement.
A major focus of Doval’s visit was strengthening cooperation in internal security and intelligence-related matters. In his meeting with Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, General Luong Tam Quang, discussions covered law enforcement, cybersecurity, maritime security and economic security. Both sides agreed to expand capacity-building initiatives in these areas, recognising the importance of closer coordination in addressing emerging security challenges.
Doval also held discussions with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, to review the progress of existing defence cooperation. The two sides agreed to further strengthen their engagement, building on the India-Vietnam Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership towards 2030. Defence cooperation has emerged as a significant component of bilateral relations, with both countries seeking to expand military exchanges, defence training, maritime cooperation and collaboration in defence capabilities.
His discussions with Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung also covered the future direction of bilateral relations, including preparations to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam in 2027. The anniversary is expected to provide another opportunity to highlight the longstanding relationship and identify new areas for cooperation.
Beyond official diplomatic and security engagements, Doval also visited the historic Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, the headquarters of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The visit highlighted the longstanding cultural and religious connections between the two countries, with Buddhism continuing to serve as an important civilisational link between Indian and Vietnamese communities.
The Hanoi visit comes amid growing efforts by New Delhi and Hanoi to translate their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into deeper practical cooperation. Both countries have set an ambitious target of achieving USD 25 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030, demonstrating their intention to expand economic engagement alongside defence and security ties.
The discussions also take place against the backdrop of broader regional and international security developments, particularly the growing importance of maritime stability and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. For India, Vietnam remains an important strategic partner in Southeast Asia, while closer engagement provides both countries with opportunities to strengthen regional connectivity, security coordination and defence capabilities.
Doval’s visit therefore represents an important step in advancing the India-Vietnam partnership beyond traditional diplomatic engagement. With defence cooperation, cybersecurity, intelligence coordination and maritime security gaining greater importance, both nations are seeking to establish a more comprehensive and resilient framework for long-term strategic cooperation.