Defence minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam General Phan Van Giang in New Delhi on 6 May 2026. The meeting was marked by warmth and growing strategic trust, reflecting the deep-rooted Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam.

Both leaders reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral engagements, including high-level exchanges, training programmes, and capacity-building initiatives. They acknowledged the growing convergence in strategic interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The discussions focused on further strengthening defence ties through enhanced maritime cooperation, expansion of defence industry collaboration, and promotion of joint research, co-development, and co-production initiatives. The two sides also emphasised the importance of regular interactions between defence forces, including port calls, joint exercises, and institutional dialogue mechanisms.

The minister reiterated India’s commitment to cooperate with Vietnam in line with India’s vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for All in the Region (MAHASAGAR). Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global security issues of mutual concern and underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and a rule-based international order.

In a post on X, Singh said that the talks focussed on adding more vigour to the defence cooperation between India and Vietnam. The recent developments reflect the positive momentum in our engagement, he added.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Vietnam to further deepen their defence partnership and explore new avenues of cooperation in the years ahead.