Rajnath Singh meets Vietnam President To Lam, reaffirms strong strategic ties

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Hanoi on May 19, 2026, for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening military ties with Vietnam. During his visit, Singh met Vietnam President To Lam, conveying greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening defense cooperation. The Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations was highlighted as a key pillar of their relationship, rooted in mutual trust and shared values in defense, security, and regional stability. Singh also held a bilateral meeting with Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang. The discussions focused on reviewing the growing India-Vietnam defense partnership and exploring further collaboration in maritime security, defense industry development, training, and regional stability. Both sides emphasized their shared resolve to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit included the inauguration of a Language Lab at the Air Force Officers College in Vietnam. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged to advance cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology, marking a significant step toward closer ties. Singh also paid homage to Vietnam’s founding father, President Ho Chi Minh, at his Mausoleum on the occasion of Ho Chi Minh’s 136th birth anniversary. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi welcomed Singh, describing defense cooperation as a cornerstone of bilateral relations and noting his engagement with the Indian community in Vietnam.