India and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to deepen defence and shipbuilding ties during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s visit to Hanoi for the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue.
During his visit, Singh toured the Hong Ha Shipyard and met Major General Pham Thanh Khiet, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff of the General Department of Defence Intelligence and Director of the shipyard. The two sides discussed ways to boost collaboration in defence manufacturing and shipbuilding. Singh highlighted India’s growing capabilities under the Make in India, Make for the World initiative.
Earlier in the week, Singh met Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang and reiterated India’s intent to strengthen cooperation across key defence areas. He also co-chaired the 15th Defence Policy Dialogue with Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence. The dialogue resulted in the signing of an agreement on mutual submarine search and rescue support and a Letter of Intent to enhance defence industry collaboration.
Singh and Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, Vietnam’s Deputy Chief of General Staff, jointly inaugurated the sixth edition of the India–Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX 2025. The bilateral exercise aims to improve interoperability and share best practices, particularly in UN peacekeeping operations.
On Tuesday, Singh visited the historic Phap Van Pagoda, where he planted a Bodhi tree sapling alongside Thich Thanh Nhieu, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam described Buddhism as a spiritual link that continues to unite both nations.
Through these engagements, India and Vietnam reinforced their shared vision of building a stronger, more resilient defence partnership backed by industrial and cultural cooperation.
