Ajit Doval meets Vietnam defence minister to deepen bilateral cooperation
The National Security Adviser's two-day official visit to Hanoi aims to strengthen the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in Hanoi on Monday. According to The Hindu, the leaders reviewed the progress of existing defence cooperation and agreed to increase engagement in the sector.
The meeting is part of a two-day official visit by Doval, who arrived in Hanoi on Sunday. The visit seeks to bolster the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two nations agreed to grow their defence ties through frequent dialogues, joint military drills, and exchange programmes for their armed forces. Both sides also emphasised the necessity of maintaining freedom of navigation, peace, and stability within the Indo-Pacific region.
This visit follows the fourth India-Vietnam Security Dialogue held in New Delhi in October 2026. That session involved reviews of cooperation regarding counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, economic security, and emerging technologies.
The relationship was elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India in May 2026. During that visit, India and Vietnam also established a USD 25 billion annual trade target to be reached by 2030.