Rajnath Singh meets Vietnam’s Phan Van Giang, discusses defence cooperation, maritime security

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Vietnamese counterpart General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi to enhance maritime security and defense industry ties. The leaders signed an MoU on AI and quantum technology, highlighting a strengthening bilateral strategic partnership

Hanoi:  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday met with his Vietnamese counterpart, General Phan Van Giang, to review the partnership between their nations and discuss ways to deepen cooperation in maritime security, the defence industry, training, and regional stability.

In a post on X, Singh said, “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.”

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He said that India remains committed to strengthening its Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. Both leaders also jointly inaugurated the Language Lab established at Vietnam’s Air Force Officers College.

“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 added.

Earlier in the day, Singh paid tributes to Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of Vietnam, at the Mausoleum in Hanoi on the occasion of his 136th birth anniversary. Singh arrived in Hanoi on Monday afternoon for a two-day visit to Vietnam, marking 10 years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, which was upgraded to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the State visit of Vietnamese President To Lam earlier this month.

Taking to X, the Defence Minister said, “Paid homage to the founding father of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh, at Mausoleum on his 136th birth anniversary.” “His vision, leadership and enduring commitment to national liberation and global solidarity continue to inspire generations. India-Vietnam friendship remains rooted in shared values and mutual respect,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, Singh addressed the Indian community in Hanoi and described Operation Sindoor as a testimony to India’s transformation into a strong, confident, and capable nation.

“While India remains committed to the no first use policy, it will not succumb to nuclear blackmail and stands ready to respond firmly to any enemy misadventure,” he emphasised.

India is rapidly advancing in the semiconductor sector. This is not just a story of technological progress, but also a story of building a new India, he wrote on X. He invited the international community to be a part of this opportunity for India’s development, investment, and partnership.

“Today, India’s growing prestige in the international community and the performance of our government have strengthened the confidence of every Indian,” he noted. Singh is on an official visit to Vietnam from May 18 to 19, followed by a visit to South Korea from May 19 to 21.