Rajnath Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy PM Phan Van Giang hold talks in Hanoi

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi on May 19, 2026. Both Ministers reviewed the growing defence partnership between the two countries and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in maritime security, defence industry, training & regional stability.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and global security developments of mutual interest and emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. They discussed avenues to expand cooperation in areas including military training, defence industry collaboration, maritime security, capacity building, United Nations peacekeeping, cyber security and high-level exchanges. They also agreed to enhance cooperation between the defence forces of the two countries through regular dialogues, joint exercises and exchange programmes.

General Phan Van Giang appreciated India’s continued support and underscored the long-standing friendship and growing strategic partnership between the two nations.

Military College of Telecommunications Engineering, India and Tele Communications University, Vietnam also exchanged an MoU in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology, marking another important chapter in the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

After the bilateral meeting, Raksha Mantri called the General Secretary and President of Vietnam Mr To Lam. He conveyed warm greetings from the President & Prime Minister of India and reiterated India’s commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, including defence and security, trade and investment, maritime cooperation, connectivity, digital transformation and people-to-people exchanges.

Warmly recalling his visit to India, the President of Vietnam appreciated the growing bilateral engagement and acknowledged India’s role as a key partner in Vietnam’s development and strategic priorities. He welcomed the expanding defence cooperation as key pillar of Enhanced Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries and expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to strengthen in the years ahead.(UPDATED ON 19TH MAY 2026)