In his speech, Gen. Chien emphasized that the time-tested friendship between Vietnam and India has been continuously consolidated and developed. Especially since the two countries upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, bilateral cooperation has become increasingly substantive and effective across all pillars, particularly politics - diplomacy, and defense - security.
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An overview of the dialogue |
During the dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual concern. Gen. Chien reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy, steadfast implementation of its “Four no's” defense policy, and advocacy of peacefully resolving all disputes and differences in the East Sea (aka South China Sea) by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the UNCLOS 1982. He stressed that Vietnam upholds compliance with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and supports the early conclusion of a substantive, effective, and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien (left) speaks at the event. |
Both sides highlighted the active and effective implementation of bilateral defense cooperation in various areas, particularly in delegation exchanges, especially high-level ones, dialogue and consultation mechanisms, young officers’ exchanges, training and education, service-to-service collaboration, U.N. peacekeeping operations, and defense industry.
Regarding future cooperation, the two sides agreed to continue close coordination in promoting aforementioned key areas, facilitate the implementation of credit and non-refundable aid packages; and explore potential areas of cooperation such as cybersecurity, military medicine, and search and rescue to meet their needs and capabilities.
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Defense Secretary of India Rajesh Kumar Singh at the dialogue |
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The Indian delegation at the event |
The Vietnamese defense leader affirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense always supports India’s efforts to strengthen defense cooperation with ASEAN member countries, particularly within ADMM+ framework. He also expressed his hope that both sides would continue to enhance coordination at multilateral forums, especially those led by ASEAN, and support as well as participate in multilateral activities hosted by either side.
He took this chance to express gratitude to the Indian Ministry of Defense for sending a delegation to attend the second Vietnam Defense Expo and extended an invitation to the Indian Ministry and Indian defense enterprises to participate in the 3rd edition, scheduled for late 2026.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and Defense Secretary of India Rajesh Kumar Singh sign the minutes of the dialogue. |
Expressing his honor to co-chair the 15th Vietnam - India Defense Policy Dialogue in Vietnam, Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh affirmed that Vietnam is a reliable partner of India. He highlighted that defense cooperation is one of the key pillars of the bilateral relationship, covering a wide range of areas, including training, U.N. peacekeeping, expertise exchanges, joint exercises, maritime security, and defense industry.
The Indian official emphasized that the Vietnam - India bilateral exercise 2025 (VINBAX 2025), scheduled to take place from November 11 to 27, will play an important role in bilateral defense ties, and India supports expanding its scope and scale.
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Delegates pose for a group photo. |
He said the Vietnam - India defense cooperation is built on mutual understanding and trust. The 15th Defense Policy Dialogue opened an opportunity for both sides to discuss future cooperation, helping fostering bilateral defense relations, one of the key and strategic pillars of the Vietnam - India comprehensive strategic partnership.
The dialogue concluded with the signing of the minutes.
Translated by Mai Huong