Ajit Doval Meets Vietnam President To Lam, Reviews Strategic Ties And Security Cooperation

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Vietnam's President To Lam during his November 1-2 visit to Hanoi, briefing him on the outcomes of discussions with senior Vietnamese leaders and reviewing progress in the two countries' strategic partnership.

Doval called on Lam, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He thanked the Vietnamese leader for his continued support in strengthening the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Indian Embassy in Hanoi said in a statement on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Doval briefed Lam on his discussions with Vietnamese leaders and recalled the president's state visit to India in May, which resulted in the elevation of bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Security cooperation featured prominently during Doval's visit. He met Vietnam's Minister of Public Security, General Luong Tam Quang, with both sides discussing cooperation in law enforcement, cybersecurity, maritime security and economic security. They agreed to strengthen capacity-building efforts across these areas.

Doval also met Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, General Phan Van Giang, to review ongoing defence cooperation and explore ways to deepen engagement in the sector.

In his meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung, the two sides discussed plans to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam in 2027. The anniversary will be marked in the spirit of their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Indian Embassy said.

Beyond official engagements, Doval visited the historic Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, the headquarters of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The Indian Embassy described Buddhism as a civilisational bridge connecting the people of the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs said Doval's visit provided an opportunity to review progress in bilateral cooperation under the enhanced partnership framework. India and Vietnam upgraded their relationship during Lam's state visit to India in May.

The two countries have also set an ambitious target of achieving USD 25 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030. Security cooperation, particularly in maritime affairs and regional stability, remains an important pillar of their growing relationship.