Strengthening Defence Ties: Vietnam and India

Post by : Shakul

During an official visit by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam on May 18 and 19, both nations solidified their evolving defence relationship. Invited by General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, the visit underscored the strengthening strategic ties between Vietnam and India.

The Indian delegation was formally welcomed at Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence in Hanoi, followed by bilateral discussions aimed at bolstering military cooperation, regional security, and long-term alliances.

General Phan Van Giang highlighted the importance of this visit as it aligns with the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He noted the recent upgradation of ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese leader To Lam’s recent state visit to India.

The Vietnamese defence minister acknowledged India’s emergence as a major global economy and its growing influence in both regional and international matters. He identified that the partnership with India is thriving through mutual trust and shared strategic goals.

Expanding Defence Cooperation in Key Areas

During discussions, progress under the Joint Vision Statement for the Vietnam-India Defence Partnership through 2030 was reviewed. Officials highlighted that bilateral cooperation has yielded tangible benefits across vital sectors.

The countries have boosted high-level military exchanges, enhanced training cooperation, and expanded collaboration amongst various military branches. Additionally, Vietnam and India are collaborating on defence industry projects, cybersecurity, military medicine, search-and-rescue efforts, and UN peacekeeping missions.

General Phan Van Giang expressed appreciation for the Indian government’s support of Vietnam’s military education, including a non-refundable grant of one million dollars for developing a foreign language classroom at the Air Force Officer School. He also expressed gratitude for India’s scholarships and credit support programs.

Vietnam has urged India to further extend scholarship opportunities for its military officers and to enhance training quotas in specialised fields required by the Ministry of National Defence. Both sides acknowledged that education and professional training are vital pillars of their defence cooperation.

Vision for Stability and Security in the Region

The ministers discussed regional and global security developments. General Phan Van Giang reiterated Vietnam’s foreign policy which promotes independence, peace, cooperation, and diversification of international relations.

He reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to peaceful dispute resolution in the East Sea, adhering to international laws, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea from 1982. Vietnam also voiced its support for the prompt finalization of an effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recognised the increasing trust between the two nations, saying that defence relations have emerged as a robust foundation of Vietnam-India cooperation. Singh reiterated India's dedication to assisting Vietnam via military training programs and strategic partnerships.

His visit gained additional significance as it coincided with the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh, esteemed by the Indian populace.

At the conclusion of the visit, the two ministers inaugurated the new foreign language classroom at the Air Force Officer School and witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnam University of Communications and the Indian Military Communications University, marking another affirmative stride in their bilateral defence cooperation.

#Asia News #India News #Vietnam #Defence