India and Vietnam have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence cooperation during Air Chief Marshal AP Singh’s official visit to Hanoi, with both sides focusing on strengthening air force collaboration, capacity building and military exchanges under their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Indian Air Force Chief held talks with General Nguyen Tan Cương, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence, to review the progress of bilateral defence ties and identify new areas for cooperation.
According to the Indian Embassy in Hanoi, the discussions highlighted growing collaboration between the Indian Air Force and the Vietnam People’s Air Force, with a focus on training, professional exchanges, institutional cooperation and capacity building. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international security developments, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability and a rules-based order in the Indo Pacific.
As part of the visit, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh paid tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi before visiting Regiment 927 of the 371 Air Division of the Vietnam People’s Air Force. During the visit, he interacted with the unit’s leadership and fighter pilots to gain insights into their operational capabilities and training practices, reflecting the growing engagement between the two air forces.
The three day visit also included discussions with Lieutenant General Vu Hong Sơn, Commander of Vietnam’s Air Defence Air Force Service. The two leaders reviewed ongoing defence initiatives and explored opportunities to further strengthen military cooperation and expand bilateral engagement.
The visit underscores India’s continued focus on strengthening defence diplomacy and deepening strategic partnerships across the Indo Pacific. It also reflects the growing importance of India Vietnam defence ties in supporting regional security, military interoperability and long term strategic cooperation.
