Hanoi hosted the third India-Vietnam Deputy Ministerial-Level Security Dialogue on December 5, marking a significant step forward in the two nations’ robust partnership. The dialogue was co-chaired by Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Public Security, Pham The Tung, and India’s Deputy National Security Advisor, Pavan Kapoor. The meeting underscored the deepening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of national security, counterterrorism, and emerging technologies. In his opening remarks, Pham The Tung highlighted the remarkable progress made since Vietnam and India elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016. He emphasized how this partnership has expanded beyond politics and security into diverse fields like culture, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
The dialogue covered ten key topics, focusing heavily on emerging security challenges and the use of technology to combat transnational crimes. Discussions also delved into global and regional security issues, with both sides reiterating their commitment to practical actions that enhance security and maintain public order.
The two nations reaffirmed their determination to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in capacity-building initiatives, counterterrorism, and cybercrime, while pledging closer collaboration in UN Peacekeeping efforts. Deputy NSA Pavan Kapoor also held high-level meetings with General Luong Tam Quang, Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, and Bui Thanh Son, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam, reflecting the importance both sides attach to their growing security partnership. The dialogue, held biennially since the signing of a 2016 Memorandum of Understanding, will next convene in India.
The December dialogue builds on the strong foundation laid during Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s state visit to India earlier this year, from July 30 to August 1. During the visit, India and Vietnam signed nine landmark agreements covering areas like customs, agriculture, legal cooperation, and culture. Notably, they also adopted a Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2024–2028, further institutionalizing their collaboration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Pham Minh Chinh agreed to strengthen their countries’ ties across sectors, from economic and defence cooperation to cultural and technological exchanges. The leaders also announced plans to increase bilateral trade, currently at $15 billion, while supporting investments in cutting-edge fields like renewable energy, green agriculture, and digital transformation. In defence, both sides commended the progress under the Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership towards 2030. They pledged to deepen cooperation through policy dialogue, training, and joint exercises to bolster stability in the Indo-Pacific.
