India-Viet Nam security cooperation discussed in Ajit Doval talks in Hanoi

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held separate senior-level meetings in Vietnam on Monday. The talks focused on security cooperation and wider engagement. Indian and Vietnamese officials agreed to strengthen existing ties. The Indian Embassy in Hanoi said the discussions also covered regional and global developments.

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Doval met Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang for delegation-level talks. The embassy described the engagement as part of a trusted partnership. Both sides reviewed current security cooperation. They agreed to further build on the existing multifaceted relationship, the embassy added.

India Vietnam security cooperation in focus

Earlier, Doval met Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang. The embassy said both sides assessed ongoing defence cooperation. They agreed to expand activities in this area. The engagement formed part of wider efforts to deepen defence ties between India and Vietnam.

"National Security Advisor of India Ajit Doval met today with General Phan Van Giang, Member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, the embassy said.\"

The embassy later said the two sides reviewed defence cooperation and planned further steps. \"Both sides reviewed the status of ongoing bilateral defence cooperation and agreed to continue further strengthening activities in this field, it said.\" The meetings took place after Doval arrived in Vietnam on Sunday for an official visit.

India Vietnam security cooperation linked to strategic partnership

The visit followed an upgrade in ties announced during Vietnamese President To Lam’s India trip in May. India and Vietnam elevated relations to an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries also set a USD 25 billion annual trade target by 2030. Security cooperation remains a key pillar of the upgraded framework.

Doval also met Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung. The discussion included plans to mark a major diplomatic milestone. Both sides looked at ways to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The embassy said the anniversary will fall in 2027.

\"2027 marks the 55th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Viet Nam. Both sides discussed ways to commemorate this historic milestone in the spirit of India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Indian embassy said in a post.\"

India Vietnam security cooperation and cultural links

Alongside official meetings, Doval visited the historic Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi on Monday. The embassy said Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu received Doval. Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien was also present. The embassy highlighted Buddhism as a civilisational bridge between India and Vietnam.

Across the meetings, the embassy said both sides sought to expand cooperation in security and defence. The engagements also covered future plans tied to the wider partnership. With the 2027 diplomatic anniversary approaching, India and Vietnam discussed commemorations alongside practical cooperation in key sectors.

With inputs from PTI