INDIA-VIETNAM DEFENCE TIES

The maritime domain has taken centre stage in the bilateral talks between India and Vietnam. Progress of India’s Act East Policy, maritime multilateralism, maritime security outreach, and the building of a strong network across the Indo- Pacific are a key element which has made Delhi and Hanoi new natural partners.

What are the key elements that have made India and Vietnam natural partners?

• Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision and the two countries share a rich history of civilization and cultural linkages spanning more than 2,000 years.
• Both the countries share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2016 and defence cooperation is one of the important pillars of this partnership.
• India and Vietnam do not tolerate any question on violations of freedom of navigation and threats to sovereign maritime territorial rights as enshrined under international maritime law.
• New Delhi has always supported Vietnam’s position in the South China Sea regarding Beijing’s destabilizing actions backing the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the year 2016.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT REGARDING DEFENCE COOPERATION

• Joint Vision Statement: India and Vietnam signed a Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 to enhance the scope and scale of existing defence cooperation which will again strengthen their relationship.
• Defence Line of Credit: Both the countries have also agreed on the early finalization of the $500 million Defence Line of Credit which is extended to Vietnam.
• Mutual Logistics Support: India and Vietnam also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mutual Logistics Support.
• Capacity building: India is about to gift two simulators and a monetary grant for setting up of IT Lab at the Air Force Officers Training School for capacity building of the Vietnamese Armed Forces.
• VINBAX is the joint military exercise between the military of India and the military of Vietnam. The naval exercise PASSEX 2020 had the participation of the country like India, Russia, the USA, Australia, and Vietnam.

SIGNIFICANCES OF INDIA-VIETNAM DEFENCE TIES

• China’s role: The signing of the vision document came amid growing congruence between the two countries in the maritime security domain amid China's increasing strength in the region.
• Mutual interests: The implementation of the projects under the Line of Credit will add substantially to Vietnam's defence capabilities and further India’s vision of 'Make in India, and Make for the World'.
• Stability of Indo-Pacific- The close defence and security cooperation between India and Vietnam is an important factor in the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
• Energy reserves: It is most important to protect the common interests since India has oil exploration projects in the Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea.

India’s relationship with Vietnam will further help India to expand its role in South East Asia and boost India’s Act East Policy. Through mutual cooperation, India can widen its role under the Sagar initiative to reap the benefits of the blue economy for the inclusive development of the Indo-Pacific region, maintain maritime security, and also strengthen its strong strategic presence in the region.