India and Vietnam discussed new ways to expand cooperation in defence production and shipbuilding during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s visit to Hanoi. The visit marked the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue, focused on boosting long-term strategic collaboration.
Singh toured the Hong Ha Shipyard and met Major General Pham Thanh Khiet, Deputy Director and Chief of Staff of Vietnam’s General Department of Defence Intelligence. Both sides explored initiatives to enhance joint shipbuilding and technology exchange. Singh highlighted India’s defence capabilities under the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ vision.
He also planted a Bodhi tree sapling at the historic Phap Van Pagoda alongside Thich Thanh Nhieu, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, reflecting cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations.
Additionally, Singh and Vietnam’s Sr Lt Gen Phung Si Tan inaugurated the sixth India–Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX 2025, aimed at improving interoperability in UN peacekeeping missions. Both nations signed agreements on submarine search and rescue and defence industry cooperation, reaffirming their strong strategic partnership.
