India and Vietnam Agree to Deepen Defence Cooperation as NSA Ajit Doval Holds Talks in Hanoi

India and Vietnam have agreed to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation following discussions between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in Hanoi. The meeting focused on reviewing existing defence engagements and identifying opportunities to expand cooperation within the framework of the India–Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The discussions took place during Doval’s official visit to Vietnam, which began on November 1. According to the Embassy of India in Hanoi, both sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and agreed to deepen engagement in the sector. The meeting reflects the growing importance of defence and security collaboration in bilateral relations, particularly as India and Vietnam seek to strengthen their strategic partnership amid evolving regional security challenges.

General Phan Van Giang, who is also a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, highlighted the importance of maintaining substantive defence cooperation between the two countries. The discussions followed the elevation of India–Vietnam relations to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President To Lam’s state visit to India in May 2026.

Defence Cooperation Remains Central to Strategic Partnership

Defence cooperation has emerged as an important component of India–Vietnam relations, supported by regular high-level exchanges, military training, institutional dialogues and collaboration on maritime security. Both countries have progressively expanded their defence engagement through bilateral agreements and mechanisms intended to strengthen military capabilities and facilitate greater interaction between their armed forces.

The Joint Vision Statement on India–Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 provides an important framework for this cooperation. The agreement establishes a longer-term direction for strengthening defence relations through professional exchanges, training programmes, institutional coordination and other mutually agreed activities.

During the latest discussions, General Phan Van Giang acknowledged the progress achieved under the defence partnership framework and emphasised the importance of continued engagement. According to the Vietnamese government’s official account, he encouraged India to further support bilateral defence cooperation in recognition of its role as a major pillar of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two countries have also identified cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, defence consultations and multilateral security mechanisms as important areas of engagement. These activities provide opportunities for greater institutional familiarity and operational cooperation between the Indian and Vietnamese defence establishments.

Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Strengthens Bilateral Relations

The November 2 meeting follows the strengthening of India–Vietnam diplomatic relations during President To Lam’s visit to India in May 2026. During that visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President To Lam reviewed bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international developments affecting the two countries.

The elevation of bilateral relations to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established a broader framework for cooperation across defence, security, trade, investment, technology and diplomatic engagement. The partnership reflects the importance both countries attach to maintaining stable relations and expanding cooperation in areas connected to national development and regional security.

India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Vietnam’s development objectives towards 2045 also featured in the broader diplomatic engagement during the May visit. Both governments identified opportunities for cooperation that could support economic development, technological advancement and stronger institutional relationships.

The latest visit by India’s National Security Adviser provides another opportunity to review progress under this partnership and identify areas requiring closer coordination. Defence cooperation remains particularly relevant because both countries maintain substantial maritime interests and participate in regional institutions concerned with security and stability.

India and Vietnam Expand Security Dialogue

The Hanoi meeting follows the fourth India–Vietnam Security Dialogue, held in New Delhi in October 2026. The dialogue was co-chaired by India’s Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Pham The Tung.

The discussions examined cooperation across several areas, including counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime engagements, economic security and emerging technologies. Representatives of the two countries also exchanged assessments of regional and global security developments and reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration on matters of mutual interest.

The India–Vietnam Security Dialogue operates under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016 between India’s National Security Council Secretariat and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. The mechanism provides an institutional platform for discussing security challenges and maintaining regular communication between the relevant national authorities.

The inclusion of cybersecurity, emerging technologies and economic security reflects the expanding scope of bilateral security cooperation beyond conventional military engagements. These areas have become increasingly important as governments address technological vulnerabilities, cross-border security concerns and the protection of critical national infrastructure.

The October dialogue and the November meeting in Hanoi demonstrate continuity in high-level security engagement between the two countries. Together, these mechanisms support the implementation of the broader strategic partnership while allowing both sides to review existing cooperation and consider future priorities.

Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Cooperation

India and Vietnam share an interest in maintaining maritime security, freedom of navigation and regional stability. Their geographical positions and economic dependence on maritime connectivity make cooperation in the wider Indo-Pacific region an important element of bilateral engagement.

Vietnam occupies a strategically significant position along major maritime routes in Southeast Asia, while India maintains substantial security and economic interests across the Indian Ocean and adjoining waters. The two countries’ defence relationship provides opportunities for cooperation in maritime training, professional exchanges, capacity development and other activities intended to improve their respective security capabilities.

India’s engagement with Vietnam also forms part of its wider Act East Policy, which seeks to strengthen diplomatic, economic and strategic relationships with Southeast Asian countries. Vietnam has remained an important partner in this policy framework because of its participation in regional institutions and its longstanding bilateral relations with India.

The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus provides another platform for India and Vietnam to engage on regional defence and security matters. According to the Vietnamese government’s account of the Hanoi discussions, cooperation through multilateral institutions, including ADMM-Plus, remains an important component of the bilateral defence relationship.

Continued engagement through these mechanisms enables both countries to address shared security interests while maintaining dialogue on regional developments. The latest meeting reinforces their commitment to expanding cooperation through established bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

Vietnam Invites Indian Defence Industry to Participate in Defence Expo

An additional development during the discussions was Vietnam’s invitation to Indian defence authorities and defence manufacturers to participate in the Vietnam International Defence Expo scheduled to be held in Hanoi in December 2026.

According to the Vietnamese government’s official account, General Phan Van Giang welcomed participation by representatives of India’s Ministry of Defence and Indian defence enterprises, including opportunities to display defence products at the exhibition.

The invitation provides a potential opportunity for Indian defence manufacturers to engage with Vietnamese military authorities and industrial partners. Defence exhibitions serve as platforms for demonstrating technologies, establishing industrial contacts and exploring possible cooperation in equipment supply, maintenance, manufacturing and technical services.

For India’s expanding domestic defence industry, engagement with Vietnam offers opportunities to develop relationships in a strategically important Southeast Asian market. However, the invitation to participate in the exhibition should not be interpreted as confirmation of new equipment purchases, technology-transfer agreements or defence procurement contracts.

The commercial significance of the proposed participation will depend on subsequent discussions between government authorities, manufacturers and potential customers.

Strengthening Long-Term India–Vietnam Defence Relations

The latest engagement between Ajit Doval and General Phan Van Giang demonstrates the continuing importance of high-level dialogue in advancing India–Vietnam defence relations. The meeting builds upon the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established earlier in 2026 and the longer-term objectives outlined in the Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership towards 2030.

The discussions also highlight the increasingly broad scope of cooperation between the two countries, extending from conventional defence engagement to cybersecurity, emerging technologies, maritime security and institutional coordination. These areas provide multiple opportunities for sustained collaboration as India and Vietnam respond to changing regional and international security requirements.

While the November 2 meeting did not announce a new defence procurement agreement or a specific military technology contract, both governments confirmed their intention to deepen existing cooperation. The invitation for Indian defence industry participation in Vietnam’s forthcoming defence exhibition also introduces a potential avenue for expanding industrial engagement.

As India strengthens its relationships across Southeast Asia, Vietnam continues to occupy an important position in its regional diplomatic and security engagement. The Hanoi discussions reaffirm the commitment of both countries to developing their defence partnership through sustained dialogue, institutional cooperation and practical engagement.

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