Archive · 12 Nov 2025
India and Vietnam Boost Defense, Shipbuilding Ties
India and Vietnam, two friendly countries, are working together to make their militaries stronger.
Their defense leaders met in Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi.
They talked about how they can build more ships and defense equipment together, with India sharing its advanced manufacturing abilities.
They also agreed to help each other if a submarine needs rescue.
Additionally, they kicked off a joint military exercise called VINBAX, which helps their soldiers practice working together, especially for UN peacekeeping missions.
This shows they are committed to improving their defense relationship.
India and Vietnam held their 15th Defence Policy Dialogue in Hanoi, focusing on defense industry and shipbuilding cooperation.
Key agreements signed include a Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation, and a Letter of Intent on defense industry collaboration.
Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited the Hong Ha Shipyard and met with Vietnamese defence officials.
The sixth edition of the India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX 2025 commenced to enhance interoperability in UN peacekeeping operations.
India highlighted its 'Make in India – Make for the World' initiative to promote defence manufacturing cooperation.
- Who
- Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnamese defence officials
- What
- Held the 15th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue, discussed enhancing defence industry and shipbuilding cooperation, and signed agreements on submarine search and rescue and defense industry collaboration. Also, the 6th edition of India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX 2025 commenced.
- When
- Discussions took place on Wednesday, with meetings also held on Monday and Tuesday leading up to the dialogue.
- Where
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Why
- To bolster defense cooperation across key areas and enhance interoperability.
Indian Perspective
Vietnamese Perspective
Defence Industry Collaboration
Indian Perspective
India highlighted its world-class defence manufacturing under the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ vision.
Vietnamese Perspective
Discussions focused on enhancing defence industry and shipbuilding cooperation.
Submarine Cooperation
Indian Perspective
India and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation.
Vietnamese Perspective
This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in submarine-related search and rescue operations.
- Event
- 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue
- Attendees
- Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of National Defence Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien, Vietnam's Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang, Major General Pham Thanh Khiet
- Key Agreements
- Memorandum of Agreement on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support and Cooperation; Letter of Intent on strengthening defence industry collaboration
- Related Event
- Opening ceremony of the sixth edition of India–Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX 2025
- Date of Dialogue
- Wednesday (prior to visit dates mentioned)
- Location
- Hanoi, Vietnam