NSA Ajit Doval Meets Vietnam Defence Minister, Reviews Military Cooperation

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi on Monday, November 2, to review bilateral defence cooperation and discuss ways to strengthen military engagement between the two countries.

The meeting comes as India and Vietnam seek to expand their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with defence and security cooperation forming an important part of their bilateral relationship.

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam confirmed the meeting in a statement, saying the two sides reviewed the status of existing defence cooperation and agreed to continue strengthening activities in the sector. Doval arrived in Hanoi on Sunday for an official visit.

During the meeting, Giang highlighted the importance of Doval's visit following the elevation of bilateral relations in May. He noted that defence ties had continued to develop through previously signed agreements, particularly the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030.

Doval stressed the importance of further implementing the agreements reached between the two countries. He called for greater cooperation in defence industry, military training, United Nations peacekeeping and cybersecurity, according to Vietnam's government portal.

Vietnam also invited Indian defence officials and defence industry companies to participate in the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026, scheduled to be held in December. The participation is expected to provide another opportunity to expand defence industry cooperation between the two countries.

India and Vietnam upgraded their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President To Lam's state visit to India in May 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and To Lam agreed to expand cooperation across defence, security, trade, investment, technology and maritime affairs.

The two countries also established a target of USD 25 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030, reflecting their plans to deepen economic engagement alongside strategic and security cooperation.