Rajnath Singh Holds Defence Talks With Vietnam, Boosts AI & Strategic Cooperation

Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phan Van Giang in Hanoi on May 19, 2026, reaffirming both nations’ commitment to peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two sides reviewed defence ties and discussed expanding cooperation in maritime security, defence industry collaboration, military training, cyber security, capacity building, UN peacekeeping, and joint exercises. Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s support for Vietnam’s defence modernisation initiatives under the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During the visit, both ministers virtually inaugurated a Language Lab at Vietnam’s Air Force Officers’ College established with Indian assistance. Rajnath Singh also announced the setting up of an Artificial Intelligence Lab at the Tele Communications University in Nha Trang.

Additionally, India and Vietnam signed an MoU in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology between the Military College of Telecommunications Engineering, India, and Vietnam’s Tele Communications University.

Rajnath Singh also met To Lam and paid tribute to former Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh on his 136th birth anniversary.