Vietnam is seeking to strengthen its intelligence and security cooperation with India amid growing regional concerns over China’s expanding influence in the South China Sea. The proposal emerged during National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval’s visit to Hanoi, where discussions focused on intelligence exchanges, cybersecurity, classified-information protection and broader regional security challenges.
Doval visited Vietnam on November 1-2, 2026, and held meetings with senior Vietnamese leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang and Public Security Minister General Luong Tam Quang. The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation and developing more effective mechanisms for addressing emerging security threats.
During the meetings, Vietnam expressed interest in establishing faster channels for exchanging strategic information with India. The proposed cooperation would cover political developments, regional security issues, international affairs and emerging threats. Hanoi also suggested exploring an agreement for the mutual protection and exchange of classified information, which could strengthen trust between the security establishments of both countries. However, no new intelligence-sharing agreement was formally signed during the visit.
Cybersecurity and emerging technologies were also important subjects of discussion. Vietnam expressed interest in expanding cooperation with India in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity incident response and specialised training. These areas are becoming increasingly important as both countries seek to protect critical infrastructure and strengthen their capabilities against evolving digital threats.
The discussions build on several recent bilateral engagements. India and Vietnam held a Cyber Policy Dialogue in January 2026 and their first Cybersecurity Consultation in September. The fourth Deputy Minister-level Security Dialogue, conducted in New Delhi on October 16, also addressed economic security, counterterrorism, maritime cooperation and emerging technologies.
Defence cooperation remains another major pillar of the India-Vietnam relationship. During his meeting with General Phan Van Giang, Doval reviewed ongoing military engagement and explored opportunities for expanding defence collaboration. Vietnam also invited Indian defence companies to participate in the Vietnam International Defence Expo scheduled for December 2026.
India has steadily expanded its defence partnership with Vietnam through military training, equipment supplies and maritime security cooperation. In July 2023, India gifted the missile corvette INS Kirpan to the Vietnamese Navy. New Delhi has also supported Vietnam’s maritime capabilities through the supply of 12 high-speed guard boats under a $100 million defence credit facility.
In May 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Vietnam, where both countries discussed defence manufacturing, military training, maritime security and cooperation in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. India also confirmed progress on the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile agreement with Vietnam.
China’s growing maritime presence and longstanding territorial disputes with Vietnam in the South China Sea provide an important strategic backdrop to these developments. For Hanoi, stronger ties with India offer an opportunity to diversify its security partnerships and improve its defence capabilities.
For New Delhi, closer cooperation with Vietnam supports its Act East Policy and broader Indo-Pacific strategy. The latest discussions indicate that India-Vietnam relations are expanding beyond conventional defence engagement towards intelligence cooperation, cybersecurity and strategic information-sharing, strengthening their role as important partners in maintaining regional stability.