Post by : Shakul
During Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's official visit on May 18 and 19, Vietnam and India emphasized their expanding defense partnership. This high-level meeting, prompted by an invitation from General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, underscored the growing strategic bond between the nations.
A ceremonial welcome was held at the Ministry of National Defence's headquarters in Hanoi. Both ministers engaged in productive discussions aimed at enhancing military collaboration, improving regional security, and establishing long-term strategic connections.
General Phan Van Giang noted the importance of this visit coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has recently evolved into an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following To Lam's state visit to India.
The Vietnamese minister acknowledged India's rapid ascent to becoming a leading global economy, emphasizing its growing influence in both regional and international arenas. He reiterated that the Vietnam-India partnership is marked by mutual trust, shared strategic goals, and robust defense cooperation.
Expanding Defense Collaboration
The discussions reviewed the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-India Defence Partnership until 2030, initiated during Singh's previous engagement in 2022. Both parties noted tangible outcomes from bilateral efforts across key sectors.
There has been a rise in high-level military exchanges, enhanced training collaborations, and increased cooperation among military branches. Additionally, Vietnam and India are jointly undertaking initiatives in defense industries, cybersecurity, military medicine, search and rescue, and UN peacekeeping missions.
General Phan Van Giang expressed appreciation for India's support in training Vietnam's military education system, highlighting a non-refundable grant of one million dollars for a foreign language classroom at the Air Force Officer School. He also acknowledged the scholarships and preferential credit programs provided by India.
Vietnam has urged India to broaden scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese military officers and to augment training slots in specialized areas required by Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence. Both sides recognized that education and professional training are vital elements of their defense relationship.
Commitment to Regional Security
The ministers exchanged insights on security developments both regionally and internationally. General Phan Van Giang reaffirmed Vietnam’s independent foreign policy dedicated to peace, cooperation, and diversification of relations.
He highlighted Vietnam’s pledge to settle disputes in the East Sea peacefully in accordance with international law, echoing the commitments of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and expressed support for finalizing an effective Code of Conduct in the region.
Rajnath Singh praised the strengthening trust between Vietnam and India, asserting that defense collaboration has emerged as a significant pillar of partnership. He reiterated India's commitment to support Vietnam through military training initiatives.
Singh noted the special significance of his visit coinciding with President Ho Chi Minh's 136th birthday, a figure greatly honored by the Indian populace.
Finally, both ministers inaugurated a foreign language classroom at the Air Force Officer School and oversaw the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnam University of Communications and the Indian Military Communications University, marking a pivotal advancement in their defense collaboration.
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