Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, General Phan Van Giang, is scheduled to visit India from June 18-19, 2023. This visit holds immense significance as it aims to further strengthen the defence cooperation between India and Vietnam. The visiting dignitary will engage in a bilateral meeting with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on June 19. The discussions will encompass various aspects of defence cooperation, regional affairs, and global issues of mutual interest. Additionally, General Phan Van Giang will embark on a cultural visit to Agra, adding a touch of cultural diplomacy to the visit.
India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which encompasses various domains of cooperation, including defence. The defence relationship between the two countries plays a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Diversification of Defence Engagements
Defence engagements between India and Vietnam have witnessed a significant diversification in recent years. These engagements encompass a wide range of activities, including military-to-military exchanges, service-level contacts, high-level visits, capacity building and training programs, cooperation in UN Peacekeeping, ship visits, and bilateral exercises. This diversification reflects the growing depth and breadth of defence cooperation.
Key Documents for Defence Partnership
During the visit of Raksha Mantri to Vietnam in June 2022, two crucial documents were signed, further enhancing the scope and scale of defence cooperation. The “Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership Towards 2030” and the “Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Logistics Support” provide a strategic framework for future collaboration and mutual support.
Minister of National Defence’s Visit to India
The upcoming visit of the Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, to India is a significant milestone in strengthening defence cooperation. This visit underscores the commitment of both countries to further deepen their partnership in the defence sector.
Bilateral Meeting with Raksha Mantri
A key highlight of General Phan Van Giang’s visit is the bilateral meeting with Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on June 19. The meeting provides a platform for both sides to discuss and review the progress of defence cooperation and explore avenues for future collaboration. It serves as a crucial opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the two nations.
Discussions on Defence Cooperation
During the bilateral meeting, the discussions will revolve around various aspects of defence cooperation. The focus will be on areas such as joint exercises, information sharing, defence industry collaboration, technology transfer, and maritime security. The meeting aims to deepen the existing cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration in the defence sector.
Regional and Global Issues of Mutual Interest
Apart from defence cooperation, General Phan Van Giang and Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. This provides an opportunity for both countries to align their perspectives, share insights, and contribute to regional stability and peace.
Cultural Visit to Agra
In addition to the bilateral engagements, General Phan Van Giang will undertake a cultural visit to Agra, a city renowned for its historical and architectural marvel, the Taj Mahal. This cultural visit aims to foster people-to-people ties, and cultural understanding, and strengthen the bond between the two nations.
