New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Vietnam on Monday to commence a pivotal two-day official visit aimed at expanding bilateral military cooperation and strengthening regional stability. The trip marks a significant milestone as the two nations celebrate ten years of their strategic alliance, which was recently upgraded to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President To Lam’s state visit to India earlier this month. Singh’s diplomatic outreach focuses heavily on deepening strategic military cooperation, bolstering defence industrial partnerships, and enhancing maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region.
The high-level visit follows intensive bilateral discussions regarding a proposed USD 630-million BrahMos missile deal between New Delhi and Hanoi. Vietnam has expressed a strong desire to fast-track the acquisition of the shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile to strengthen its coastal defence capabilities amidst ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. If finalized, the comprehensive procurement package is expected to encompass the advanced missile systems, technical training for Vietnamese military personnel, and long-term logistical support from India.
In addition to missile technology, New Delhi has offered comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities to support Vietnam’s existing fleet of Sukhoi-30 fighter jets and Kilo-class submarines. This proposed defence cooperation was previously reviewed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President To Lam during their recent meeting in New Delhi. India’s growing role as a defence exporter in Southeast Asia is already well-established, following successful BrahMos missile supply agreements secured with the Philippines and Indonesia.
During his stay in Hanoi, Singh is scheduled to hold extensive bilateral talks with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, to build upon the Joint Vision Statement towards 2030 signed in 2022. Following the conclusion of his engagements in Vietnam, the Defence Minister will travel to South Korea for a two-day visit to hold strategic talks with his counterpart, Ahn Gyu-back. To honour the historic contribution of Indian forces during the Korean War, Singh will also jointly inaugurate the Indian War Memorial alongside South Korea’s Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Kwon Oh-eul, on May 21.
