![](https://bharatshakti.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LT-BSI-Defence.gif")
India is preparing to deepen its strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expected to undertake a two-nation visit to Vietnam and South Korea next week.
The visit comes shortly after the high-profile state visits of Vietnamese President To Lam and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to New Delhi, reflecting India’s defence diplomacy across Asia.
The visit is expected to focus on expanding military-industrial cooperation, maritime security coordination, defence technology transfers and regional strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.
Vietnam Moves Closer to BrahMos Missile Deal
One of the most closely watched developments is Vietnam’s ongoing negotiations to acquire the India-Russia jointly developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system.
Officials familiar with the discussions indicate that Hanoi is in advanced talks for a potential deal. If concluded, Vietnam would become the second Southeast Asian country after the Philippines to induct the BrahMos system.
Developed jointly by India and Russia, the BrahMos missile is regarded as the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missile, capable of travelling at speeds of nearly Mach 3.5. The export variant has a strike range of 290 kilometres in line with Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) obligations, while maintaining significant precision-strike capability.
The missile has emerged as a major symbol of India’s growing defence export ambitions. The Philippines signed a $375 million agreement for three BrahMos batteries in 2022, while Indonesia has also moved ahead with procurement discussions as regional demand for high-speed missile systems rises amid intensifying maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
During talks held in New Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President To Lam, both sides reiterated that defence cooperation remains a central pillar of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The leaders reviewed progress under the Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership Towards 2030 and discussed expanding practical military cooperation through joint exercises, training programmes, staff exchanges and maritime coordination.
A major focus of discussions involved long-term military sustainment and operational support. India has offered Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) support for Vietnam’s Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft and Kilo-class submarines, both key assets in Hanoi’s military inventory.
The two countries also explored deeper defence-industrial collaboration, including possibilities for joint production and co-development of military systems. India has already extended $500 million in Lines of Credit to Vietnam, including $300 million earmarked for defence projects such as high-speed patrol vessels. Another $200 million remains available for future defence procurements and upgrades.
Both countries are also considering the establishment of a structured “2+2” dialogue involving foreign and defence ministries to improve strategic coordination on regional security issues.
Maritime Security Emerging as Key Convergence Area
India and Vietnam also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
With tensions high in disputed maritime areas, both sides stressed the need for secure sea lanes, freedom of navigation and respect for international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Singh had separate bilateral talks with Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang, where both sides reviewed ongoing defence engagements and acknowledged growing strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific region.
India and South Korea
India’s strategic engagement with South Korea is also entering a new phase focused on advanced defence manufacturing and technology transfer.
During the recent bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, both countries agreed to expand cooperation beyond conventional defence procurement into co-development and joint design of advanced military systems.
The partnership currently centres around the K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery system, manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro using technology transferred from Hanwha Aerospace.
Indian officials said the proposed third phase of cooperation would involve deeper technology transfer and collaboration on anti-aircraft systems, missile platforms and next-generation defence technologies.
The K9 Vajra-T, a 155mm/52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer, has already been operationally deployed in high-altitude sectors including Ladakh and India’s northeastern frontier after successful adaptation from desert warfare conditions.
India and South Korea are now examining possibilities for collaboration on modern air defence systems capable of addressing emerging aerial threats such as drones and guided missiles.
Launch of Korea-India Defence Accelerator
Both countries have launched the Korea-India Defence Accelerator (KIND-X), designed to connect defence companies, start-ups, investors and research institutions from both countries.
The initiative is modelled on the India-US INDUS-X framework and aims to strengthen defence innovation ecosystems while supporting joint military-industrial projects.
India and South Korea have expanded cooperation in strategic technologies including semiconductors, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and space collaboration.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Korea AeroSpace Administration agreed to establish a Joint Working Group for future space cooperation initiatives.
Huma Siddiqui
