NEW DELHI: The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue was held in New Delhi on August 1, 2024, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Vietnam's Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien. The meeting focused on reviewing and enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, following significant progress since the signing of the 'Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030' in June 2022.

During the dialogue, Vietnam proposed five key areas for collaboration: delegation exchanges and dialogue, staff talks, service-to-service cooperation, education and training, and defence industry cooperation. Defence Secretary Aramane welcomed these proposals and suggested additional cooperation in emerging fields such as cyber security, information security, military medicine, and submarine search and rescue.

Highlighting the potential of India's domestic defence industry to support capacity building in friendly foreign countries, Aramane expressed optimism for a fruitful partnership with the Vietnam People's Armed Forces and their industries. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Letter of Intent to strengthen training cooperation, including the exchange of instructors and experts.

Defence cooperation remains a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. Vietnam is a key partner in India's Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific region.

Senior Lieutenant General Chien emphasized the enduring friendship between the two countries, noting that bilateral cooperation has become increasingly practical and effective across various fields, including defence and security. He also acknowledged India's support in training and capacity building for the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), as well as the provision of preferential credit, aid packages, and non-refundable assistance from the Indian government.

Both sides praised the defence cooperation achievements since the 13th dialogue, underscoring the high level of mutual trust and tangible results, particularly in delegation exchanges, cooperation document signing, consultation mechanisms, personnel training, defence industry, and UN peacekeeping operations.

They agreed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially those led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and to enhance defence cooperation with ASEAN member countries. Vietnam affirmed its support for India in these efforts, including co-chairing the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter Terrorism for the 2024-27 period.

Discussions also covered regional and international issues of shared concern. On maritime issues, Chien reiterated Vietnam's stance on maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea (South China Sea), emphasizing the country's commitment to protecting its national sovereignty and legitimate interests in accordance with international law.

Both sides committed to further delegation exchanges at all levels, the implementation of existing cooperation mechanisms, and collaboration in areas such as training, defence industry, cyber security, military medicine, and search and rescue operations. They also agreed on the implementation of credit and non-refundable aid packages and continued cooperation at multilateral forums.

Chien invited leaders of the Indian defence ministry and prestigious businesses to participate in the second Vietnam International Defence Expo in December, with Aramane confirming India's attendance.

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