India and Vietnam Strengthen Counter-Terrorism and Cybersecurity Cooperation at 4th Security Dialogue in New Delhi

India and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral security cooperation during the 4th India-Vietnam Security Dialogue held in New Delhi on October 16, 2026. The discussions focused on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, economic security and emerging technologies, reflecting the expanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Advisor of India, and Senior Lieutenant General Pham The Tung, Deputy Minister of Public Security of Vietnam.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both delegations conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing security cooperation and exchanged perspectives on regional and global security developments. The discussions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting forms part of the institutional framework connecting India’s National Security Council Secretariat and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. It also supports the broader objectives of the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which places considerable emphasis on defence, security, technology and regional stability.

India and Vietnam Review Bilateral Security Cooperation

The fourth Security Dialogue provided an opportunity for senior officials to assess the progress of existing security initiatives and identify areas for closer coordination. The discussions covered economic security, maritime engagements, counter-terrorism, emerging technologies and cybersecurity, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the bilateral security relationship.

Both delegations exchanged views on developments in the regional and international security environment. The consultations reinforced their shared interest in maintaining regional stability, strengthening institutional cooperation and addressing security challenges through sustained bilateral engagement.

The dialogue operates under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016 between India’s National Security Council Secretariat and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. The agreement established a framework for regular consultations and cooperation on matters relating to national security and public safety.

Conducted biennially, the Security Dialogue enables senior officials from both countries to review existing initiatives, exchange information on security developments and identify opportunities for closer collaboration. The latest meeting reinforced the importance of institutional engagement as India and Vietnam expand their partnership into specialised security and technological domains.

Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Remains a Major Priority

Counter-terrorism featured among the principal areas reviewed during the fourth Security Dialogue, highlighting the importance both countries attach to addressing terrorism and associated transnational security challenges.

India and Vietnam have consistently supported stronger international cooperation against terrorism and have emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to address terrorist financing, organised crime and threats to regional security. Their cooperation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening national security institutions and supporting international mechanisms for combating terrorism.

During the visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India in May 2026, the two countries reaffirmed their opposition to terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism. The leaders emphasised the importance of dismantling terrorist infrastructure, disrupting financing networks and ensuring that those responsible for terrorist activities are brought to justice.

The October 16 Security Dialogue continued bilateral engagement on counter-terrorism within the established institutional framework. Regular consultations between national security officials provide opportunities for exchanging assessments, strengthening coordination and identifying areas where cooperation can support their respective security priorities.

The continued inclusion of counter-terrorism in high-level bilateral discussions demonstrates the importance of this subject within the wider India-Vietnam strategic partnership.

Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies Gain Greater Importance

Cybersecurity and emerging technologies formed another important part of the fourth Security Dialogue as India and Vietnam reviewed cooperation in addressing technological threats and protecting critical digital infrastructure.

Both countries have identified cybersecurity as a priority area within their expanding security relationship. The increasing use of digital technologies across government institutions, financial systems, telecommunications networks and essential services has created a greater need for cooperation in protecting information systems and strengthening cyber resilience.

India and Vietnam have been developing institutional cooperation in cybersecurity, information sharing and measures to address technology-enabled criminal activities. These engagements complement their broader efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and expand cooperation in emerging technologies.

During the May 2026 bilateral summit, the two countries highlighted the importance of addressing transnational cybercrime, online financial scams, money laundering and other forms of criminal activity facilitated by digital technologies. Their discussions also recognised the importance of professional training, institutional capacity building and cooperation between relevant agencies.

The India-Vietnam Cyber Policy Dialogue provides an additional mechanism for consultations on cybersecurity policies, emerging threats and international developments in cyberspace. Such exchanges contribute to greater understanding of national approaches to cybersecurity and provide opportunities for identifying areas of common interest.

The fourth Security Dialogue reinforced these efforts by including cybersecurity and emerging technologies within the broader national security discussions. Their continued engagement reflects the growing relationship between technological development, economic resilience and national security.

Maritime Security Cooperation Supports Indo-Pacific Stability

Maritime engagements featured prominently in the discussions, reflecting the importance of the Indian Ocean and wider Indo-Pacific region to both countries.

India and Vietnam maintain a longstanding maritime relationship supported by naval exchanges, defence cooperation, training programmes and institutional consultations. Both countries recognise the importance of maritime security in protecting international trade routes, supporting economic activity and maintaining regional stability.

Their cooperation includes activities relating to maritime domain awareness, hydrographic surveys, search and rescue, naval training and professional exchanges between maritime institutions. These engagements support closer operational understanding and strengthen the capabilities of their respective maritime organisations.

During the May 2026 summit, India and Vietnam reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, safety and security across regional waters. Both countries also emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two countries welcomed progress in naval cooperation, including the inaugural joint hydrographic survey conducted by their navies off the Vietnamese coast in May 2025. Such activities contribute to maritime knowledge, professional cooperation and the development of stronger institutional relationships.

The inclusion of maritime engagements in the fourth Security Dialogue demonstrates the continuing importance of this sector within India-Vietnam relations. It also complements India’s wider maritime cooperation initiatives and Vietnam’s engagement with regional security mechanisms.

Economic Security and Strategic Technologies Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Economic security and emerging technologies have become increasingly important components of India-Vietnam cooperation as both countries expand their commercial, industrial and technological relationships.

The fourth Security Dialogue reviewed economic security alongside conventional security concerns, reflecting the close relationship between economic development, technological resilience and national security.

India and Vietnam have been strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, digital technologies, telecommunications, science and innovation. These activities create opportunities for closer industrial engagement while supporting the development of modern infrastructure and technological capabilities.

During the May 2026 summit, the two countries agreed to work towards increasing bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030, reflecting their ambition to expand economic cooperation and strengthen commercial connectivity.

Both sides have also identified advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, research and technological innovation as areas offering significant opportunities for collaboration. These initiatives complement their broader strategic partnership and contribute to the development of more resilient economic relationships.

The inclusion of economic security in the October 16 discussions reflects the expanding scope of cooperation between India’s National Security Council Secretariat and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. It also demonstrates the importance both countries attach to integrating economic and technological considerations into their wider security dialogue.

India-Vietnam Defence Cooperation Continues to Expand

Defence cooperation remains a major pillar of India-Vietnam relations, supported by longstanding institutional arrangements, military training programmes and regular engagements between their armed forces.

The two countries established important defence cooperation frameworks through agreements concluded in 2009 and 2015. These arrangements supported the expansion of military exchanges, professional training, defence equipment cooperation and engagement between defence institutions.

In June 2022, India and Vietnam adopted the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030, establishing a long-term framework for strengthening military cooperation and defence industrial engagement.

The partnership has subsequently expanded across naval cooperation, defence equipment, military training, peacekeeping and emerging security technologies. India has supported capacity-building initiatives for Vietnamese defence personnel, while both countries have continued to strengthen professional engagement between their military institutions.

An important milestone was achieved in July 2023 when India transferred the indigenously built missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam. The transfer demonstrated India’s growing role as a defence partner and its commitment to strengthening Vietnam’s maritime capabilities.

During the May 2026 summit, India and Vietnam agreed to expand cooperation in defence industries, joint research and potential co-production of defence technologies. The two countries also reviewed progress in implementing existing defence agreements, including arrangements relating to mutual logistics support and submarine search and rescue.

The fourth Security Dialogue complements these defence initiatives by maintaining engagement between national security institutions and supporting cooperation across traditional and emerging security domains.

September 2026 Meetings Reinforce Strategic Partnership

The fourth Security Dialogue followed several high-level bilateral engagements during September 2026, reflecting the sustained momentum in India-Vietnam relations.

On September 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments, continuing the engagement established during the May 2026 summit.

The following day, India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang. Their discussions focused on strengthening maritime cooperation, defence industrial collaboration and engagement through regional defence and security mechanisms.

Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation under the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus framework, which provides an important platform for dialogue and practical security cooperation among participating countries.

On September 14, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung co-chaired the 19th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi. The meeting reviewed progress across political, economic, scientific, technological and strategic cooperation, including defence production, connectivity and emerging technologies.

These engagements demonstrate the breadth of the bilateral relationship and the importance both governments attach to regular consultations. The October 16 Security Dialogue further strengthened this institutional engagement by addressing specific security priorities within the broader strategic partnership.

Vietnam Remains a Key Partner in India’s Act East Policy

Vietnam occupies an important position in India’s Act East Policy and its broader engagement with Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1972, building on longstanding historical and cultural connections. Their relationship subsequently expanded through political dialogue, economic cooperation, defence engagements and educational exchanges.

In 2016, the two countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing importance of bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

During the May 2026 summit, India and Vietnam announced an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, providing additional momentum for cooperation in defence, security, trade, technology and regional engagement.

India regards Vietnam as an important partner within its relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Both countries support ASEAN centrality and recognise the organisation’s role in promoting regional cooperation, dialogue and stability.

Their engagement also complements India’s wider Indo-Pacific initiatives, which emphasise maritime cooperation, connectivity, economic development and partnerships based on mutual respect.

Historical connections, including Buddhist traditions and cultural exchanges, continue to support people-to-people relations between India and Vietnam. Educational cooperation, tourism and professional exchanges provide additional opportunities for strengthening mutual understanding.

As the two countries approach the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027, their expanding institutional mechanisms demonstrate the continued evolution of the partnership.

India-Vietnam Security Dialogue Advances Regional Cooperation

The 4th India-Vietnam Security Dialogue held on October 16, 2026, reinforced the commitment of both countries to expanding cooperation across counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, economic security and emerging technologies.

The comprehensive review of ongoing initiatives provided an opportunity to assess bilateral engagement, exchange perspectives on regional and global developments and strengthen coordination between their national security institutions.

The dialogue also complements the broader defence, economic and technological cooperation being pursued under the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Regular consultations between India’s National Security Council Secretariat and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security will continue to provide an important institutional foundation for addressing shared security priorities.

The meeting further strengthened India-Vietnam relations, advancing cooperation between two important Indo-Pacific partners and reinforcing their shared commitment to regional peace, stability, technological development and long-term economic prosperity.

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References

1. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India — October 16, 2026. 4th India-Viet Nam Security Dialogue. Official press statement concerning the bilateral meeting held in New Delhi.
   https://www.mea.gov.in/
2. Prime Minister’s Office, Government of India — May 6, 2026. Joint Statement on Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of India and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
   https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/joint-statement-on-enhanced-comprehensive-strategic-partnership-between-the-republic-of-india-and-the-socialist-republic-of-vietnam/
3. Ministry of Defence, Government of India — September 13, 2026. Defence Secretary Meets Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence on the Sidelines of BRICS Summit.
   https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2309693
4. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India — May 2026. India-Vietnam Relations: Bilateral Brief.
   https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Ind_Vietnam26new.pdf

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