India, Vietnam Review Defence Cooperation, Reaffirm Strategic Partnership

India and Vietnam on Wednesday reviewed their growing defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic ties during high-level military talks in Hanoi. The discussions took place between Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and General Nguyễn Tân Cương, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence, as part of the Indian Air Force chief's three-day official visit to Vietnam.

According to the Indian Embassy in Hanoi, the two leaders reviewed the progress made under the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a particular focus on expanding cooperation between the two countries' air forces. The discussions covered areas such as capacity building, professional exchanges and enhancing defence collaboration. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international security issues of mutual concern, reaffirming their shared commitment to further deepen bilateral defence ties.

During his visit, Air Chief Marshal Singh paid tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, honouring the legacy of Vietnam's revolutionary leader and former President Ho Chi Minh. He also visited Regiment 927 of the 371 Air Division of the Vietnam People's Air Force, where he met senior officers and interacted with fighter pilots to gain insights into the regiment's operational responsibilities and training practices.

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The visit began on Monday with a ceremonial welcome accorded by the Air Defence–Air Force Service of the Vietnam People's Army. Air Chief Marshal Singh later held bilateral talks with Lieutenant General Vu Hong Sơn, Commander of the Air Defence–Air Force Service, during which both sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and explored new avenues for collaboration aimed at strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two countries.

Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering W. Sherpa also met Air Chief Marshal Singh following his arrival in Hanoi and discussed the broader trajectory of India-Vietnam bilateral relations. The visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Hanoi, with both nations continuing to expand defence engagement through military exchanges, training initiatives and cooperation on regional security issues under the framework of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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