India and Vietnam have deepened their strategic and defence partnership with the signing of two landmark agreements during the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue held in Hanoi on November 10, 2025.
The high-level meeting, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, underscored the growing synergy between the two nations on regional security, maritime safety, and defence industrial cooperation.
During the dialogue, Mr. Singh called on Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, conveying greetings from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing bilateral defence relations.
A major outcome of the discussions was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation, aimed at enhancing interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy. The agreement will strengthen maritime search and rescue operations, promote joint underwater capabilities, and contribute to safe navigation and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Additionally, both countries signed a Letter of Intent on Defence Industry Cooperation, paving the way for greater collaboration in defence manufacturing, technology transfer, research, and joint production. The initiative aligns with India’s Make in India vision and Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to modernise its defence infrastructure.
Both delegations reviewed progress under existing frameworks, including training exchanges, naval communication, capacity building, and joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. Officials also discussed expanding future cooperation through high-level visits, staff talks, and new joint training initiatives.
The meeting reaffirmed that defence continues to be a core pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between the two countries in 2016. Both sides emphasised maintaining a free, open, and rules-based maritime order amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 15th Defence Policy Dialogue highlighted the strategic trust and shared vision between India and Vietnam in ensuring regional peace, stability, and self-reliance, marking another milestone in their enduring and multidimensional partnership.
