India Strengthens Ties with Vietnam: Defence Minister Congratulates New Leaders
Strengthening Defence Relations
New Delhi: On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to General Phan Van Giang following his recent appointment as Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence. Singh expressed India's eagerness to enhance the long-standing defence relationship between the two nations.
General Phan Van Giang officially took on the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence on April 8, as confirmed by Vietnam's 16th National Assembly during its inaugural session, which is part of the new government for the 2026–2031 term led by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. He is among six Deputy Prime Ministers.
In a message shared on X, Singh stated, "Warm congratulations to General Phan Van Giang on his appointment as the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam."
He expressed optimism that the partnership between India and Vietnam would continue to flourish in the coming years.
"India looks forward to further strengthening our longstanding defence ties and deepening cooperation across security, military exchanges, and defence industry collaboration under your continued leadership. I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead," the Defence Minister remarked.
Earlier, on April 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated To Lam on his election as Vietnam's President, expressing a commitment to collaborate in enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Modi conveyed his belief that the enduring friendship between India and Vietnam would thrive under To Lam's leadership.
"Heartiest congratulations to Mr. To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. I am confident that under his leadership, the time-tested friendship between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength. I look forward to working closely together to further deepen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the progress and prosperity of our people and the region," PM Modi posted on X.
This congratulatory message followed the confirmation of To Lam as the country's president for the 2026-2031 term by Vietnam's National Assembly on April 7.
India and Vietnam enjoy a close and warm bilateral relationship, characterized as a comprehensive strategic partnership. This relationship was elevated to 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' during PM Modi's visit to Vietnam in 2016, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Vietnam.
The development of India-Vietnam relations is guided by a "Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People," which was adopted by PM Modi and the then-Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc during a Virtual Summit on December 21, 2020.
In 2022, both nations celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and are actively collaborating to enhance their multi-dimensional cooperation.