India and Vietnam Expand Defence Cooperation Framework

India and Vietnam have agreed to deepen defence cooperation through new agreements covering submarine rescue, defence industry collaboration, and emerging security areas. The decisions followed the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) held in Hanoi on Monday, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien.

Submarine search and rescue pact

A key outcome of the dialogue was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) establishing a framework for mutual submarine search, rescue and support. The arrangement provides for coordinated assistance during submarine emergencies and enhances maritime safety cooperation between the two navies. It reflects both nations’ focus on strengthening naval interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Boost to defence industry collaboration

Alongside the MoA, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed to enhance defence industry cooperation. The document emphasises joint research, technology transfer, and setting up of joint ventures for defence production. It also facilitates procurement of critical materials, exchange of technical experts, and collaboration in advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding sectors. These initiatives are expected to promote self-reliance and technological innovation within both countries’ defence ecosystems.

Focus on new-age security domains

The dialogue reviewed ongoing projects in hydrography, ship visits, and capacity-building programmes. Both sides acknowledged progress in artificial intelligence applications, shipyard modernisation, and cyber security. They agreed to expand cooperation in real-time information exchange and maritime domain awareness to counter evolving regional challenges in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific area.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue was held in Hanoi in November 2025.
• A new MoA was signed for mutual submarine search and rescue support.
• Both sides inked a Letter of Intent to boost defence industry cooperation and technology transfer.
• Cooperation areas include AI, shipyard upgradation, cyber security, and hydrography.

Strategic significance of the partnership

The India–Vietnam defence partnership forms a key component of New Delhi’s “Act East” policy and Hanoi’s outreach to strategic partners. Regular ship visits, joint training, and defence dialogues underpin their growing maritime alignment. With shared concerns about regional security and freedom of navigation, the new framework underscores a mutual commitment to stability, self-reliance, and cooperative security in the Indo-Pacific.