Hanoi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held a ministerial-level bilateral meeting with Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang in Hanoi, as India and Vietnam reviewed expanding defence ties and regional security cooperation.
During the talks, Singh highlighted the historical foundations of the India-Vietnam relationship and underscored the significance of his visit coinciding with the 136th birth anniversary of former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh.
"It is a privilege for me to be present in Vietnam for this important meeting. I feel particularly proud that our meeting is taking place on the occasion of the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh. He was a visionary leader who is held in high regard in India. His historic visit to India in 1958 laid a strong foundation for lasting relations between the two countries," Singh said.
The Defence Minister also emphasised that the visit comes at a key moment in bilateral relations, marking ten years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
"This is a milestone that reflects the depth, maturity, and strength of our bilateral relations. I am happy that during your recent visit to India, this has now been upgraded to an 'Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'," he stated.
Singh expressed confidence that the discussions in Hanoi would deepen military cooperation and expand strategic engagement between the two nations.
"I am confident that our discussion today will further strengthen our defence cooperation and will also open new paths for cooperation in the years to come," he added.
In a post on X, Singh said the meeting focused on expanding cooperation in maritime security, the defence industry, military training and regional stability.
"Held a productive bilateral meeting with Gen. Phan Van Giang, Defence Minister of Vietnam. We reviewed the growing India-Vietnam defence partnership and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in maritime security, defence industry, training and regional stability," Singh said.
He added, "India remains committed to strengthening its Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam."
During the visit, the two sides jointly inaugurated a Language Lab established at the Air Force Officers College in Vietnam and exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology.
"Glad that both sides also exchanged an MoU in the field of AI and quantum technology, marking another important step in our Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," Singh stated.
