Ajit Doval’s Hanoi Visit Strengthens India-Vietnam Defence and Security Partnership

India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval held a series of high-level meetings with Vietnamese leaders during his visit to Hanoi on November 1-2, 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in defence and national security. During the visit, Doval briefed Vietnam’s President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam on the outcomes of his discussions with senior government officials, highlighting progress in the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Doval conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to President To Lam and recalled the Vietnamese leader’s state visit to India in May 2026. During that visit, both countries upgraded their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting their growing strategic alignment and commitment to deeper cooperation.

Security cooperation featured prominently in Doval’s discussions with Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, General Luong Tam Quang. Both sides reviewed collaboration in law enforcement, cybersecurity, maritime security and economic security. They agreed to strengthen existing mechanisms and expand cooperation to address emerging security challenges.

Doval also met Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, General Phan Van Giang. Their discussions focused on reviewing ongoing military cooperation and identifying opportunities to deepen defence engagement through training, exchanges and broader institutional collaboration.

In another meeting, Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung discussed preparations for the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam in 2027. The milestone is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral engagement.

Doval also visited Hanoi’s historic Quan Su Pagoda, highlighting the longstanding cultural and Buddhist connections between the two nations.

India and Vietnam are also working to expand economic relations, with both countries setting a target of achieving USD 25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Doval’s visit underscores New Delhi’s continued focus on strengthening ties with Vietnam and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific through closer defence, security and diplomatic cooperation.