India And Vietnam Draw Closer As Ajit Doval Holds Security Talks In Hanoi

India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, held a series of high-level meetings in Vietnam this week, underlining the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Hanoi at a time of rising competition in the Indo-Pacific.

Doval’s visit had a clear objective: to review and deepen the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a strong focus on defence, security and regional stability.

The visit followed recent security talks between the two countries and came months after India and Vietnam elevated their relationship to a higher strategic level.

During his stay in Hanoi, Doval met General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence. The two leaders reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and agreed to expand engagement in the sector.

He also held delegation-level talks with General Luong Tam Quang, Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, where discussions covered security cooperation as well as regional and global developments.

The meetings reflected a broader trend. Defence ties between India and Vietnam have grown steadily over the past decade. The two sides now conduct military exercises, coast guard drills, naval exchanges and training programmes. Cooperation has expanded into areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, defence technology and counter-terrorism.

For India, the partnership offers several strategic gains.

Vietnam sits on the edge of the South China Sea, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Closer defence ties with Hanoi give India a stronger role in Southeast Asia and reinforce its broader Act East Policy.

A deeper relationship also opens opportunities for defence exports, military training and cooperation between defence industries. Vietnam has shown interest in Indian defence equipment, including the BrahMos cruise missile.

The partnership also strengthens India’s position in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries support a free, open and rules-based regional order. They share concerns about maritime security and freedom of navigation.

While neither India nor Vietnam publicly frames the relationship as an alliance against China, the strategic message is clear to understand.

China has territorial disputes with Vietnam in the South China Sea and remains India’s principal military challenger along the Himalayan border. As Beijing expands its influence across Asia, New Delhi and Hanoi are increasing cooperation to create greater strategic balance.

Stronger military ties, joint exercises, defence exports and security coordination give both countries additional leverage in dealing with China’s growing power.

For India, a stronger Vietnam means a trusted partner at China’s maritime doorstep. For Vietnam, a closer India provides another major Asian power to work with as it seeks to preserve strategic autonomy.

NSA Ajit Doval’s visit therefore went beyond routine diplomacy. It signalled that India and Vietnam are moving closer together in defence and security, driven by shared interests and a changing regional geopolitics.

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