India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the nation's commitment to strengthening defense cooperation with Vietnam during a meeting with General Secretary and President To Lam on the morning of 19/5 at the Central Party Headquarters. Vietnam, in turn, highly values India's role in regional peace and stability, considering India a top strategic partner.

During the meeting, General Secretary and President To Lam conveyed Vietnam's appreciation for India's contributions to regional peace, stability, and development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He stated that Vietnam consistently views India as a leading important partner, supporting India's expanded role globally and regionally. Vietnam also backs and actively participates in India's global initiatives, serving as a bridge to help India enhance regional cooperation, thereby fostering a peaceful, stable environment that respects international law.

General Secretary and President To Lam highlighted the traditional friendship and strong political trust between Vietnam and India. He noted that the agreement to elevate their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is significant, reinforcing political trust and opening opportunities for deep cooperation across various sectors.

He proposed both sides further increase high-level and other-level delegation exchanges, boost trade and investment, expand science and technology cooperation, and strengthen connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

General Secretary and President To Lam met India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on the morning of 19/5. Photo: VNA.

General Secretary and President To Lam welcomed India's commitment to deepening defense ties. He praised the outcomes of the talks between Minister Rajnath Singh and Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phan Van Giang, as well as the practical results of defense cooperation between the two ministries recently. He urged both sides to fully and effectively implement signed cooperation documents to deepen defense cooperation.

Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed Vietnam as one of the most important partners in India's "Act East" policy and strategies for developing regional relations. He commended Vietnam's active role and contributions to promoting regional cooperation. The minister confirmed India would continue to boost defense cooperation, expanding high-quality human resource training programs.

He pledged continued close coordination with Vietnam to complete ongoing cooperation projects under existing credit lines and defense support packages. Additionally, India will consider providing new support packages tailored to each side's needs and capabilities. The minister also agreed to coordinate with relevant Indian ministries to further promote science and technology cooperation and enhance air and maritime connectivity between the two countries.

General Secretary and President To Lam and India’s Defense Minister emphasized that Vietnam and India share a common vision on global and regional issues. They committed to maintaining delegation exchanges and utilizing bilateral dialogue mechanisms, including consultations between the two defense ministries. This includes strengthening information sharing and coordinating positions on regional and international matters, especially within ASEAN-led forums such as the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+).