![](https://bharatshakti.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LT-BSI-Defence.gif")
India and Vietnam on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)) on artificial intelligence and quantum technology, alongside plans to set up an AI laboratory in Vietnam, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a productive bilateral meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart, Phan Van Giang, in Hanoi.
The discussions focused on maritime security, defence industry collaboration, military training and regional stability, reflecting the growing strategic convergence between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific.
The MoU was exchanged between India’s Military College of Telecommunications Engineering and Vietnam’s Telecommunications University, aimed at cooperation in emerging technologies such as AI and quantum systems. Singh also announced the setting up of an Artificial Intelligence Lab at the Telecommunications University in Nha Trang with Indian assistance.
The two Defence Ministers also virtually inaugurated a Language Lab at the Air Force Officers’ College in Vietnam, another India-supported capacity-building initiative.
During the meeting, both sides reviewed progress on the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They explored ways to deepen defence engagement through regular military dialogues, joint exercises, and exchange programmes.
The two countries also exchanged views on regional and global security developments, underlining the importance of peace, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to the Defence Ministry, discussions covered the expansion of cooperation in military training, defence manufacturing, maritime security, cyber security, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and capacity-building initiatives.
Singh reaffirmed India’s support for Vietnam’s defence modernisation and capability enhancement efforts under the existing bilateral cooperation framework.
Following the talks, the Indian Defence Minister called on To Lam, General Secretary and President of Vietnam, and conveyed greetings from India’s leadership.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to broadening cooperation across sectors, including defence and security, trade and investment, maritime cooperation, digital connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
India and Vietnam have steadily strengthened defence ties over the past decade, with maritime cooperation and capacity building emerging as key pillars of the relationship amid evolving strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
Team BharatShakti
