India and Vietnam are moving towards a broader phase of defence cooperation, with discussions in New Delhi focusing on technology collaboration, defence-industrial engagement and maritime security. The latest talks underline the growing strategic importance of the India-Vietnam partnership as both countries work to strengthen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, in New Delhi on September 13. The meeting followed recent discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung during the BRICS Summit.
The two sides reviewed ways to make their existing defence relationship more practical and result-oriented. Greater cooperation in defence technology and closer links between the two countries’ defence industries emerged as important areas for future engagement.
Maritime security was another major focus of the discussions. With both India and Vietnam having important maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific, stronger coordination at sea is expected to remain an important part of their defence relationship. The two countries have consistently supported a stable regional environment and greater cooperation through established multilateral security mechanisms.
India and Vietnam also discussed the role of ASEAN-led platforms in addressing regional security challenges. In particular, cooperation through the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and its Experts’ Working Groups provides an avenue for both countries to participate in wider multilateral efforts on defence and security.
The latest engagement also sets the stage for the next India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue. The meeting is scheduled to take place in India alongside Aero India 2027, giving both sides an opportunity to assess ongoing cooperation and identify additional areas for collaboration.
Defence relations between India and Vietnam have expanded steadily over the years through military exchanges, training, naval engagements and defence equipment cooperation. India has also supported Vietnam’s defence capabilities through equipment transfers and capacity-building initiatives, contributing to closer military-to-military ties.
The relationship has increasingly moved beyond traditional defence exchanges towards areas involving defence production and technology. Recent developments indicate that both countries are interested in creating more opportunities for their defence industries to work together and explore practical cooperation.
For India, stronger defence engagement with Vietnam fits within its wider Act East approach and its effort to expand strategic partnerships across Southeast Asia. For Vietnam, cooperation with India provides another avenue for strengthening defence capabilities and maritime security while maintaining a diversified network of international partnerships.
The latest discussions therefore represent another step in the evolution of India-Vietnam defence relations. With technology cooperation, industrial engagement and maritime security gaining greater prominence, the partnership is likely to become an increasingly important element of India’s wider strategic engagement in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.