Hanoi: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang held Vietnam defence talks in Hanoi on May 19 and reviewed bilateral cooperation in maritime security, defence industry and regional stability.
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to deepen collaboration in military training, cyber security, capacity building and defence exchanges. They also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s support for Vietnam’s defence modernisation and capacity enhancement initiatives under the framework of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Meanwhile, General Phan Van Giang appreciated India’s continued support and highlighted the strong strategic relationship between the two countries.
The two ministers also agreed to strengthen engagement between the armed forces through regular dialogues, joint exercises and exchange programmes.
Vietnam defence talks focus on AI cooperation
During the visit, both ministers virtually inaugurated a Language Lab at the Air Force Officers’ College in Vietnam with Indian assistance. In addition, Rajnath Singh announced the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Lab at the Tele Communications University in Nha Trang.
Furthermore, the Military College of Telecommunications Engineering of India and the Tele Communications University of Vietnam signed an MoU in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology.
Later, Rajnath Singh met Vietnam President To Lam and conveyed greetings from the Indian leadership. Both leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in defence, trade, connectivity, maritime affairs and digital transformation.
They also expressed satisfaction over the continued growth of ties between India and Vietnam. Moreover, the Vietnamese President described India as an important strategic partner and welcomed the expanding defence cooperation.
Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh paid tribute to former Vietnam President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum on the occasion of his 136th birth anniversary. He said Ho Chi Minh’s leadership and commitment to national liberation continued to inspire generations and strengthened India-Vietnam friendship.
Có cuộc gặp song phương hiệu quả với Đại tướng Phan Văn Giang, Bộ trưởng Quốc phòng Việt Nam. Hai bên đã xem xét mối quan hệ đối tác quốc phòng ngày càng phát triển giữa Ấn Độ và Việt Nam và thảo luận các cách thức để tăng cường hơn nữa hợp tác trong… pic.twitter.com/byFhvHMJ2D
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 19, 2026
