Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Vietnamese counterpart General Phan Van Giang held talks to bolster bilateral defence cooperation, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence in a statement.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed various aspects aimed at strengthening the existing ties and exploring new avenues of collaboration in the defence sector. The engagement between the two counterparts signifies the commitment of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership and foster mutual cooperation in matters of defence and security.

Expressing satisfaction at the ongoing engagements, the ministry stated that both sides conducted a comprehensive review of various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives. The statement highlighted the positive progress made in these initiatives, indicating a shared commitment to strengthening defence ties between the two countries.

“Both ministers identified means to enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in the field of defence industry cooperation, maritime security and multinational cooperation," the ministry said.

In a notable development highlighting the importance of bilateral relations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a significant announcement by gifting the indigenously-built in-service missile Corvette INS Kirpan to the Vietnam People's Navy. This gesture is expected to greatly bolster Vietnam's naval capabilities and strengthen their maritime security.

During the engagements, General Phan Van Giang, the Vietnamese counterpart, visited the headquarters of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The visit included fruitful discussions on ways to enhance defence industrial capabilities through collaborative efforts in defence research and joint production. This exchange underscores the mutual commitment to advancing defence technology and fostering cooperation in the defence manufacturing sector.

In a momentous occasion, the Vietnamese defence minister, General Phan Van Giang, paid tribute to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi earlier today. As a symbol of respect, he laid a wreath to honor their sacrifice. General Phan Van Giang's presence in India for a two-day engagement further solidifies Vietnam's role as a key partner in India's Act East Policy and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

This significant event underscores the growing significance of bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly in the context of regional security and strategic cooperation.

Image source: PTI