The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue took place in New Delhi, reflecting both countries’ commitment to improving their defence relationship amidst growing regional security concerns. The meeting was chaired by India’s Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien. This dialogue continues from the ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’ signed in June 2022, which outlines their ongoing cooperation.
Proposed Areas for Cooperation:
- Delegation Exchanges and Dialogue: Regular meetings and exchanges between defence officials to strengthen ties.
- Staff Talks: Conversations between military staff to improve coordination.
- Service-to-Service Cooperation: Collaboration between different military branches.
- Education and Training: Sharing knowledge and training programs.
- Defence Industry Cooperation: Joint efforts in defence technology and production.
New Focus Areas Suggested by India:
- Cyber Security: Protecting against online threats.
- Information Security: Keeping sensitive information safe.
- Military Medicine: Advancing medical support for military personnel.
- Submarine Search and Rescue: Improving techniques and technology for submarine emergencies.
The discussions resulted in a Letter of Intent to boost training exchanges, aiming to enhance both countries’ readiness and operational skills.
Importance of Defence Cooperation:
This defence collaboration is a vital part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. Vietnam plays a significant role in India’s Act East Policy and is crucial in the Indo-Pacific Region. The 14th Defence Policy Dialogue is an important step in strengthening their relationship, addressing modern security challenges, and improving military capabilities to prepare for future issues.
