Rupal Kalebere
The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue
The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue, held on August 1, 2024, in New Delhi, marks yet another significant step in the growing defense relationship between India and Vietnam. Co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, the dialogue focused on enhancing bilateral defense cooperation and exploring new areas of collaboration.
A Solid Foundation: The India-Vietnam Defence Partnership
India-Vietnam have engaged in the defense sector since 1994 with the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation. A formal Defence Protocol in March 2000 followed where agreement for joint military exercises, joint campaigns on anti-piracy in the South China Sea (SCS) and anti-insurgency training were concluded. The first India-Vietnam Security Dialogue took place in July 2018. The defense partnership grew stronger with the signing of the ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’ in June 2022. This strategic framework has set the stage for transformative progress in bilateral defense ties, underlining both nations’ commitment to regional security and stability.
Key Areas of Cooperation
During the dialogue, Vietnam proposed five key areas for enhanced cooperation:
- Delegation Exchanges and Dialogue: Regular interactions and exchanges between military delegations to build mutual understanding and trust.
- Staff-Talks: Focused discussions to align strategies and share insights on defense-related issues.
- Service-to-Service Cooperation: Strengthening collaboration between different branches of the military, such as the army, navy, and air force.
- Education and Training: Enhancing the skills and capabilities of military personnel through joint training programs and educational exchanges.
- Defence Industry Cooperation: Collaborating on defense production and technological innovation to bolster defense capabilities.
The Defence Secretary of India welcomed these proposals and highlighted additional areas of potential collaboration, including:
- Cyber Security: Addressing the growing threat of cyber-attacks and enhancing information security measures.
- Military Medicine: Sharing expertise and resources in military healthcare and medical research.
- Submarine Search & Rescue: Developing joint capabilities to respond effectively to underwater emergencies.
Enhancing Defence Industry Collaboration
A key highlight of the dialogue was the emphasis on defense industry cooperation. The Defence Secretary emphasized the potential of India’s domestic defense industry to contribute to the capacity and capability enhancement of Vietnam’s armed forces. This collaboration aims to leverage India’s expertise in defense production to support Vietnam’s defense modernization efforts.
Signing of the Letter of Intent
In a significant step towards strengthening cooperation, both sides signed a Letter of Intent to enhance collaboration in training. This includes the exchange of instructors and experts, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices between the two countries. Officers of the Vietnam armed forces have trained in prestigious defence institutions such as the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College under the IMET scheme.
The Broader Strategic Context
Defense cooperation is a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. This partnership is pivotal in India’s Act East Policy and its strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Vietnam, as a key player in Southeast Asia, is a vital partner in India’s efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Conclusion
The 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue underscores the deepening defense relationship between the two nations. By expanding cooperation into emerging areas and strengthening existing ties, India and Vietnam are poised to contribute significantly to regional security and global peace. As both countries continue to enhance their defense collaboration, they reaffirm their commitment to a shared vision of a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.
This dialogue represents not just a diplomatic engagement but a testament to the enduring partnership between India and Vietnam, as they work together to address common challenges and build a brighter future.