NSA Ajit Doval Reviews Defence Cooperation with Vietnam Counterpart in Hanoi

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in Hanoi on 2 November. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said the two sides reviewed the status of ongoing bilateral defence cooperation and agreed to continue strengthening activities in the field. Doval arrived in Hanoi on 1 November for an official visit.

The meeting took place in the context of the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During Vietnamese President To Lam’s visit to India in May 2026 the two countries elevated their relationship to that level and set a target of 25 billion dollars in annual trade by 2030. Doval’s programme includes interactions with the Vietnamese leadership to review the partnership.

General Phan Van Giang is a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The discussions covered the existing defence cooperation framework and possibilities for further engagement. Separately, Doval held talks with General Luong Tam Quang, Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security. That meeting addressed cooperation in the security domain, including economic security, maritime issues, counter-terrorism, emerging technologies and cybersecurity. Both sides exchanged views on regional and global developments.

India and Vietnam have expanded defence ties in recent years through training, exercises and equipment discussions. The elevated partnership provides a formal structure for deeper coordination. The embassy described the security cooperation as reflecting a deep and mutually trusted relationship. No specific new agreements were announced from the meetings on 2 November.

Doval’s visit follows the May elevation of ties and comes amid broader regional security discussions. Vietnam has sought to diversify its defence partnerships while managing relations with major powers. India has positioned itself as a partner in maritime security and capacity building in Southeast Asia. The meetings in Hanoi form part of regular high-level contacts under the strategic partnership.

The Indian Embassy posted details of the defence meeting and of the security talks on social media. Photographs from the sessions show the officials seated with the Indian and Vietnamese flags. Doval is expected to continue engagements with Vietnamese leaders during the remainder of the visit. The focus remains on reviewing progress and identifying areas for expanded cooperation rather than announcing immediate new projects.

Trade between the two countries has grown, and the 25 billion dollar target by 2030 sets a quantitative benchmark. Defence cooperation has been one of the more visible elements of the relationship. The 2 November meetings restate the intention to maintain and expand that element under the enhanced partnership framework established earlier in the year.