There is a growing convergence in maritime security cooperation between India and Vietnam

India and Vietnam have decided to expand the scope and scale of current defence cooperation by signing a joint vision document. The two sides have also inked a pact on Mutual Logistics Support.

The documents were signed in Hanoi on Wednesday during the visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Vietnam in the presence of his Vietnamese counterpart General Phan Van Giang.

Singh and Vietnam's Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang had extensive discussions on effective and practical approaches to further expand bilateral defence relations as well as regional and global issues, the Ministry of Defence said.

The two Defence Ministers signed the 'Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030,' which will significantly enhance the scope and scale of existing defence cooperation, the ministry said.

In the presence of both ministers, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Mutual Logistics Support was also signed.

"In these times of increasing cooperative engagements between the defence forces of the two countries, this is a major step towards simplifying procedures for mutually beneficial logistic support and is the first such major agreement which Vietnam has signed with any country," the defence ministry said.

Both Ministers also agreed for early finalisation of the USD 500 million Defence Line of Credit extended to Vietnam.

Singh announced the gifting of two simulators and a monetary contribution to the Air Force Officers Training School for the establishment of a Language and IT Lab to help the Vietnamese Armed Forces improve their capabilities.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a three-day visit, reflecting a growing convergence in maritime security cooperation with the crucial Southeast Asian country in the face of China's rising aggression in the region.

He began his trip by paying homage to Vietnam's Founding Father Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. He also laid a wreath at the Monument for War Heroes and Martyrs as a mark of respect to Vietnam's gallant war heroes and martyrs here.

"India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership & defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership. Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East policy & Indo-Pacific vision. Looking forward to further strengthen the defence engagements between India and Vietnam," he had tweeted before leaving for Hanoi.