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.

The post India, Vietnam Deepen Defence and Shipbuilding Ties appeared first on India Podcast.

Puri said India currently consumes 5.6 million barrels of crude oil per day and will soon reach 6 million barrels. The International Energy Agency estimates India will drive 30% of the global rise in energy demand over the next two decades. This will increase the country’s shipping needs for oil and gas transport.

During 2024-25, India imported 300 million metric tonnes of crude and exported 65 million tonnes. About 88% of crude and 51% of gas needs come from imports. Puri urged for stronger Indian ship ownership since only 20% of trade cargo moves on India-flagged vessels.

The minister said the government is promoting domestic shipbuilding, vessel financing, and cargo aggregation for PSUs. He noted that port capacity has nearly doubled since 2014, reflecting India’s vision to build a self-reliant maritime economy.

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