National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s two-day visit to Vietnam has given fresh momentum to India’s strategic partnership with the Southeast Asian country, with discussions focusing on defence cooperation, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity and maritime security. The visit also provided an opportunity to review bilateral ties and explore ways to strengthen cooperation amid changing regional and global security challenges.
Doval was in Hanoi on November 1 and 2, where he met senior Vietnamese political, defence and security leaders. His engagements included discussions with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, as well as the country’s President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam.
During his meeting with Phan Van Giang on November 2, the two sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and agreed to deepen their engagement in the sector. The meeting underlined the importance both countries attach to defence ties as a key part of their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Phan emphasised the need to continue advancing defence cooperation in line with the importance it holds in the bilateral relationship. He also invited India’s Defence Ministry and defence companies to showcase their products at the Vietnam International Defence Expo scheduled to be held in Hanoi in December. The invitation offers another opportunity for Indian defence manufacturers to explore partnerships and strengthen their presence in the Vietnamese market.
India and Vietnam have steadily expanded military engagement through defence exchanges, training, capacity building and cooperation in maritime security. Their defence partnership is guided by a Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030. Both countries have also shown interest in strengthening defence technology cooperation.
Doval’s discussions extended beyond conventional defence matters. He met Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, General Luong Tam Quang, to review cooperation in law enforcement, cybersecurity, maritime security and economic security. The two sides agreed to strengthen capacity-building efforts in these areas, reflecting the growing importance of cooperation against newer and cross-border security threats.
Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important area of engagement as both countries face challenges linked to digital infrastructure, cybercrime and the protection of sensitive information. Cooperation in law enforcement and intelligence-related matters can also help improve coordination in addressing security threats that extend beyond national borders.
Maritime security remains another important aspect of the India-Vietnam relationship. Both countries have interests in maintaining stability, safe sea routes and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. Vietnam’s location along important international shipping routes and India’s expanding engagement with Southeast Asia make closer maritime cooperation strategically significant.
The visit also comes after the fourth India-Vietnam Security Dialogue was held in New Delhi in October. The dialogue reviewed cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, economic security and emerging technologies. Doval’s Hanoi meetings provided an opportunity to take forward discussions in these areas through engagement with Vietnam’s senior leadership.
A key moment during the visit was Doval’s meeting with President To Lam on November 3, when he briefed the Vietnamese leader on the outcomes of his discussions with senior officials. He also conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and thanked Lam for his continued support in strengthening the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
India and Vietnam upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Lam’s state visit to India from May 5 to 7, 2026. The visit marked an important step in expanding cooperation across defence, security, trade, technology and other areas. Doval’s latest engagement was aimed at reviewing progress under this upgraded framework.
Economic ties are also an important part of the partnership. Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately $18.28 billion in the financial year 2025-26. India and Vietnam have set an ambitious target of taking annual bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030. Stronger security and political relations are expected to support wider economic engagement and create opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Doval also met Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung. Their discussions included preparations to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam in 2027. The milestone is expected to be celebrated in the spirit of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
The visit also had a cultural dimension. Doval visited the historic Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, which serves as the headquarters of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. The Indian Embassy described Buddhism as a civilisational bridge between the people of India and Vietnam, reflecting the historical and cultural connections that complement their modern diplomatic relationship.
Doval’s meetings have reinforced the commitment to expand this partnership through practical cooperation and regular high-level engagement. As India and Vietnam prepare to mark 55 years of diplomatic relations, the focus will be on turning their strategic understanding into stronger defence links, closer security coordination and wider economic opportunities.
