India and Vietnam Sign Strategic Defence Agreements to Enhance Maritime and Industrial Collaboration
India and Vietnam have solidified their strategic and defense partnership by signing two significant agreements during the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue in Hanoi on November 10, 2025.
The meeting, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, emphasized the increasing collaboration between the two countries in areas such as regional security, maritime safety, and defense industrial cooperation.
During the discussions, Mr. Singh met Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, conveying greetings from India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and reaffirming India’s dedication to enhancing bilateral defense ties.
A key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation. This agreement aims to improve the interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy, enhancing maritime search and rescue operations, boosting joint underwater capabilities, and ensuring safe navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Furthermore, a Letter of Intent on Defence Industry Cooperation was signed to foster greater collaboration in defense manufacturing, technology transfer, research, and joint production. This initiative is in line with India’s Make in India program and Vietnam’s efforts to modernize its defense infrastructure.
The discussions also reviewed progress on existing initiatives, such as training exchanges, naval communication, capacity building, and joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. Future cooperation was discussed, including high-level visits, staff talks, and new joint training initiatives.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of defense as a core element of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between India and Vietnam in 2016. Both nations stressed the importance of maintaining a free, open, and rules-based maritime order amid changing geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 15th Defence Policy Dialogue underscored the strategic trust and shared vision between India and Vietnam in promoting regional peace, stability, and self-reliance, marking another milestone in their enduring and multifaceted partnership.
