Air Chief Marshal AP Singh Embarks on Official Visit to Bolster India-Vietnam Defence Ties
On August 3, 2026, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, the Chief of the Air Staff of India, began a three-day official visit to Vietnam. This visit underscores the strengthening defence ties between the two nations, focusing on improving military cooperation and operational collaboration, as well as exploring new areas for engagement between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Vietnam People's Army's Air Defence-Air Force Service.
Upon arrival, the IAF Chief received a ceremonial reception from the Vietnamese Air Force and engaged in bilateral discussions with Lieutenant General Vũ Hồng Sơn, the Commander of the Air Defence-Air Force Service. The discussions centered on reviewing the progress of current defence cooperation and exploring new initiatives to bolster military relations between India and Vietnam.
The Indian Embassy in Vietnam noted that the talks aimed at consolidating the existing defence partnership while exploring new collaborative avenues under the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This visit demonstrates the dedication of both countries to intensify defence engagement amidst the changing regional security landscape in the Indo-Pacific.
Prior to the formal meetings, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh was briefed by Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering W. Sherpa on the current status of India-Vietnam relations and the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
Over the last two decades, India and Vietnam have forged strong defence ties, with military training being a cornerstone of their cooperation. For nearly ten years, the Indian Air Force has been training Vietnamese pilots and technical staff in the operation and maintenance of Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets. The operational experience of India with these Russian-origin fighters is instrumental for the development of Vietnam's capabilities.
Naval cooperation is another crucial aspect of the bilateral defence relationship. The Indian Navy has provided training to Vietnamese personnel for operating Kilo-class submarines, which has enhanced Vietnam's underwater warfare skills and maritime collaboration with India.
India has further contributed to Vietnam's defence capacity-building through financial grants and technical support. Notably, a grant of US$1 million was allocated for constructing a foreign language classroom at Vietnam's Air Force Officer School. Furthermore, Indian assistance helped establish an Artificial Intelligence laboratory at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang, fostering technological progress and research collaboration.
Future collaboration could extend to aerospace maintenance and logistics. As both nations operate the Airbus C-295 transport aircraft, there are discussions about potentially cooperating in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities. India's expanding indigenous aerospace sector, including the Airbus-Tata C-295 manufacturing and MRO facilities, offers a promising platform for regional support.
Formal defence cooperation between India and Vietnam began in March 2000 with the signing of a bilateral defence agreement. Under this agreement, India aided in overhauling Vietnam's MiG-21 fighter fleet and provided extensive training to Vietnamese fighter pilots and technicians. India also continued to supply spare parts and technical assistance through 2006.
Today, the defence relationship between the two nations includes joint military exercises, defence policy dialogues, naval port calls, air force exchanges, training programs, research collaboration, and co-development of defence technologies. These efforts have strengthened the partnership, making it one of India's most significant defence alliances in Southeast Asia.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh's visit highlights India's ongoing commitment to enhancing defence ties with Vietnam, as both countries strive to promote regional stability, improve interoperability, and build robust defence capabilities within the Indo-Pacific region.
