Hanoi: Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh discussed strengthening defense cooperation during a meeting in Hanoi on Tuesday. The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in various strategic areas to bolster regional stability and bilateral defense ties.

According to Anadolu Agency, the two sides reviewed the India-Vietnam defense partnership and explored ways to deepen cooperation in maritime security, the defense industry, training, and regional stability. A statement from the Indian Defense Ministry highlighted the importance of these discussions in fortifying the existing defense relationship between the two nations.

Phan Van Giang proposed maintaining effective exchanges of delegations at all levels and continuing annual cooperation mechanisms to strengthen political trust and further deepen bilateral defense ties. He emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in training, as reported by state-run Vietnam.vn.

Rajnath Singh expressed hope for continued cooperation in training and capacity building, as well as closer collaboration between the different branches of the armed forces. Both countries agreed to expand cooperation between military branches in areas including defense industries, UN peacekeeping, cybersecurity, military medicine, and search and rescue operations.

As part of their ongoing collaboration, they inaugurated a Language Lab at the Air Force Officers College in Vietnam. Additionally, the two sides exchanged a memorandum of understanding in the fields of artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

Singh is visiting Vietnam from Monday to Tuesday, after which he will continue to South Korea. Earlier this month, Vietnamese President To Lam visited India for his first state visit since taking office in April. During these talks, the two countries agreed to elevate ties to an 'enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership,' aiming to increase bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030. They also witnessed the exchange of 13 memorandums of understanding across key sectors, including rare earth minerals, culture, and cross-border digital payments.