New Delhi hosts talks as India-Vietnam push defence and trade ties
New Delhi hosts talks as India-Vietnam push defence and trade ties
Defence ministers sign 13 agreements to boost maritime security, industry collaboration, and joint research, while planning a Vietnam visit and broader ASEAN partnership.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Phan Van Giang, in New Delhi on May 6, 2026, reaffirming the strong momentum in India-Vietnam defence ties and outlining plans for a Vietnam visit in the second half of May to strengthen cooperation.
Officials said the discussions culminated in 13 agreements aimed at deeper two-way engagement across maritime security, defence industry collaboration, and joint research, co-development, and co-production. Both sides also stressed the importance of expanding regular military interactions, including port calls, joint exercises, and institutional dialogue mechanisms, to sustain the momentum.
The leaders highlighted alignment under the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reiterated a shared focus on regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, with Defence Minister Singh reiterating India's commitment to the MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region.
Vietnam President To Lam was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on his maiden visit to India, underscoring the warmth and high-level engagement shaping the partnership. In parallel, Prime Minister Modi signaled India’s intention to broaden relations with ASEAN, including defence technology collaboration and broader economic ties.
Separately, a broader economic roadmap emerged with discussions on a trade trajectory aiming for up to $25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, illustrating the growing economic dimension of the strategic partnership. The overarching message from New Delhi was clear: India and Vietnam are accelerating both defence and economic cooperation to bolster regional security and prosperity.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence cooperation and to contributing to a peaceful, rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, with concrete steps and formalized mechanisms expected to translate into tangible outcomes in the months ahead.
