India-Vietnam Defence Dialogue Highlights

India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue Highlights

Event Overview:

• The 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) took place in Hanoi, co-chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien.

Key Agreements & Memorandums:

1. Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support:

   • A Memorandum of Agreement was signed to establish cooperation in submarine search and rescue operations.

2. Defense Industry Cooperation:

   • A Letter of Intent was signed aimed at strengthening collaboration in defense industry, focusing on:
     • Transfer of Technology
     • Joint ventures for defense production
     • Research collaboration
     • Exchange of experts and technology in high-tech and core-technology domains.

Areas of Cooperation Discussed:

• Increased cooperation in hydrography, capacity building & training, and UN Peacekeeping Operations.
• Enhanced port calls and ship visits.
• Cooperation in cyber security and real-time information exchange.
• Emphasis on military medicine and exchange of experts in various specialized fields.

Strategic Importance:

• The DPD serves as the primary mechanism for reviewing and guiding the India-Vietnam Defence Partnership.
• Initiatives outlined in the India-Vietnam Joint Vision Statement 2030 are to be advanced through this dialogue.
• Vietnam plays a crucial role in India’s Act East Policy and is a significant partner in the Indo-Pacific vision.

Upcoming Meetings:

• A follow-up meeting under the ongoing Implementing Arrangement, between the Department of Defence Production, India, and the General Department of Defence Industry, Vietnam, is scheduled for December 2025.
• The 16th DPD will take place in India in 2026.

Contextual Framework:

• Bilateral defense cooperation is highlighted as a pillar of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aimed at bolstering regional security and collaboration against shared challenges.

Conclusion:

• The recent dialogues and agreements underscore the commitment of both nations to enhance their defense and security collaboration, reflecting broader geopolitical strategies in the Indo-Pacific region.