Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Vietnam and South Korea from May 18 on a four-day trip aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
During his visit, Singh will travel first to Vietnam before heading to South Korea on May 20. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with defence ministers of both countries and call on their respective Presidents.
Vietnam focus: BrahMos deal and military cooperation
Talks in Vietnam are expected to centre on the proposed export of the BrahMos missile, along with training support, logistics assistance, and an initial supply package. The deal is estimated at around ₹5,800 crore and is currently in advanced stages of negotiation.
If finalised, Vietnam would become the third country after the Philippines and Indonesia to acquire the BrahMos system. India has already signed a $375 million agreement with the Philippines, while Indonesia is progressing toward a similar deal worth over $340 million.
The visit also includes discussions on maintenance, repair and overhaul support for Vietnamese defence platforms such as Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and Kilo-class submarines.
South Korea focus: Defence innovation and technology partnership
In South Korea, discussions will focus on expanding defence industrial cooperation and emerging technologies. A key highlight is the proposed Korea-India Defence Accelerator (KIND-X), announced during recent high-level talks between both countries.
The initiative aims to connect defence start-ups, companies, research institutions and investors from India and South Korea to develop advanced military technologies jointly.
India and South Korea already collaborate on defence manufacturing, including the production of the K9 Vajra, and are now exploring expansion into next-generation systems.
Strategic significance
The visit reflects India’s broader effort to deepen defence partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, expand indigenous manufacturing collaboration, and strengthen export capabilities in advanced military systems.
