Why in news?
- On 10 November 2025, India and Vietnam convened their 15th Defence Policy Dialogue in New Delhi. The meeting reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and identified new areas for collaboration, including hydrography, training, artificial intelligence, cyber security and submarine search‑and‑rescue.
- The dialogue reflects the strategic partnership between the two countries and the importance of the Indo‑Pacific region.
Background
- India and Vietnam have strengthened defence ties since establishing a strategic partnership in 2007. They conduct joint exercises, share maritime information and support each other’s positions on regional security.
- Vietnam’s location along the South China Sea and its maritime disputes make it a key partner for India’s Act East policy and efforts to ensure a free and open Indo‑Pacific.
Highlights of the 15th Defence Policy Dialogue
- The dialogue was co‑chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Defence Minister Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien.
- Both sides reviewed cooperation in hydrography, pilot and engineer training, United Nations peacekeeping, intelligence sharing and defence industry collaboration.
- They agreed to explore joint projects in artificial intelligence and cyber security and to strengthen collaboration in submarine search‑and‑rescue operations.
Key facts about Vietnam
- Vietnam covers about 331,211 km² in Southeast Asia. Its long S‑shaped landmass stretches 1,650 km north–south and narrows to about 50 km at its narrowest point.
- The country features tropical lowlands, rolling hills and densely forested mountains. The Red River forms a fertile delta in the north, while the Mekong River creates an extensive delta in the south.
- Phan Xi Pang (Fansipan), the highest peak in Vietnam, rises to 3,144 m in the Hoang Lien Son Range.
- Vietnam borders China to the north, Laos to the west and Cambodia to the southwest. It is divided into 58 provinces and five centrally governed municipalities.
- About 96 million people live in Vietnam, and the capital city is Hanoi.
Conclusion
The 15th Defence Policy Dialogue underscores the deepening partnership between India and Vietnam across a range of traditional and emerging security domains. Understanding Vietnam’s geography and strategic context helps explain why this relationship is vital for stability and prosperity in the Indo‑Pacific.
Source: Press Information Bureau · WorldAtlas