India-Vietnam Defence Dialogue.
India-Vietnam Defence Cooperation: India and Vietnam reaffirmed their steadily growing defence partnership at the 15th edition of the India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) held in Hanoi on November 10, 2025. The dialogue, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien, resulted in significant new agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation, particularly in maritime security and high-technology domains.
MoU on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support
A major highlight of this year’s dialogue was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search, Rescue Support and Cooperation. The new framework enables both nations to support each other in submarine search and rescue missions, a critical capability as both navies expand their undersea fleets. The MoU is expected to improve safety assurance for submarine crews, enhance operational interoperability, and lay the groundwork for joint responses to underwater emergencies across the Indo-Pacific.
Officials from both sides described the agreement as a landmark development that underscores the increasing strategic trust between New Delhi and Hanoi amid growing maritime challenges in the region.
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Expanding Defence Cooperation Across New Domains
During the dialogue, India and Vietnam reviewed the progress made since the previous DPD across areas such as hydrography cooperation, capacity building, training exchanges, UN Peacekeeping Operations, port calls, ship visits, and collaborative work in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and shipyard upgradation.
Looking ahead, both sides agreed to further broaden collaboration in several critical and emerging areas, including:
1. Cyber security and cyber defence
2. Real-time information and intelligence sharing
3. Military medicine and medical exchanges
4. Expert-level interactions across specialised fields
The two delegations also engaged in an in-depth discussion on regional security dynamics, with particular attention to developments affecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
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15th India-Vietnam Defence Dialogue.
Letter of Intent on Defence Industry Cooperation
On the sidelines of the dialogue, India and Vietnam signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to strengthen defence industrial cooperation. The LoI envisions enhanced collaboration in:
1. Transfer of Technology (ToT)
2. High-tech and core-technology projects
3. Joint research initiatives and joint ventures
4. Procurement of defence equipment and materials
5. Exchange of experts for design, development, and production
This move aligns closely with India’s priority of promoting defence manufacturing partnerships under the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, while supporting Vietnam’s efforts to modernise its defence industry.
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Upcoming Defence Industry Meet in December 2025
Under the ongoing Implementing Arrangement on Defence Industry Cooperation between India’s Department of Defence Production and Vietnam’s General Department of Defence Industry, both sides agreed to convene the next meeting in December 2025. This platform is expected to accelerate joint industrial projects, technology partnerships, and co-development programmes.
High-Level Engagements and the Road Ahead
During his visit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh also called on Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence Gen Phan Van Giang. He briefed the minister on the key outcomes of the 15th DPD and reiterated India’s commitment to deepening defence ties. Both leaders welcomed the advancements achieved and expressed optimism for the next edition of the dialogue.
The 16th Defence Policy Dialogue will be hosted by India in 2026, as both nations continue to implement the initiatives outlined in the India-Vietnam Joint Vision Statement 2030.
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India’s defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at India-Vietnam Military Exercise.
A Pillar of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Bilateral defence cooperation has long been a cornerstone of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Vietnam is a central partner in India’s Act East Policy and a pivotal country in its broader Indo-Pacific vision. With growing security convergence, regular naval interactions, and expanding technological cooperation, the latest agreements mark yet another milestone in one of India’s most important defence partnerships in Southeast Asia.
The Defence Secretary’s 2025 visit to Hanoi has reinforced the momentum of this relationship, paving the way for deeper collaboration across the military, industrial, and strategic domains.
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