India and Vietnam held the third Security Dialogue on Thursday in Ha Noi, Vietnam. The meeting focused on sharing views about global and regional security challenges. It also included discussions on enhancing cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, tackling organised crime and exchanging information between law enforcement agencies.

"The Third India-Viet Nam Security Dialogue was co-chaired by Mr Pavan Kapoor, Deputy National Security Adviser and Lt. Gen. Pham The Tung, Deputy Minister of Public Security on 05 December 2024 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release. The two parties discussed the implementation of the Action Plan for the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as regional and international security. They further discussed enhancing collaboration between law enforcement agencies in areas like fighting organised crime, thwarting terrorism, and exchanging information.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in economic security and emerging technologies, including combating cybercrime. They also discussed improving training and capacity-building efforts, particularly in UN Peacekeeping missions. During the visit, Deputy NSA Kapoor met General Luong Tam Quang, the Minister of Public Security, and Bui Thanh Son, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, according to the MEA. Notably, the MoU for collaboration between the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and the National Security Council Secretariat of India was signed in 2016 and it stipulates that the bilateral security conversation takes place every two years. The next discussion will take place in India.

India and Vietnam share a strong and friendly relationship, built on their shared history of fighting for independence. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India played a significant role as Chairman of the International Commission for Supervision and Control, which was set up under the Geneva Accord of 1954 to support peace efforts in Vietnam.

Initially, India had consulate-level ties with North and South Vietnam. After Vietnam's unification, full diplomatic relations were established on January 7, 1972. During Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's July 2007 visit to India, bilateral ties between the two nations were further developed into a "Strategic Partnership."