New Delhi, May 18: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is set to arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, on Monday. Following this, he will also visit South Korea. The primary aim of this trip is to enhance India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Before his departure, the Defense Minister stated that he would focus on expanding India’s partnerships with Vietnam and South Korea. He emphasized that the discussions will prioritize deepening strategic military cooperation, strengthening defense industrial partnerships, and increasing maritime collaboration to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
It is anticipated that defense cooperation will be the top agenda during the Vietnam visit. Notably, discussions regarding the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile deal are expected to be significant. Reports suggest that this deal has reached an advanced stage, with an estimated cost of around ₹5,800 crore. If finalized, Vietnam will become the second Southeast Asian nation, after the Philippines, to acquire the BrahMos missile system. Conversations may also cover maritime security, joint military exercises, training, logistical support, and maintenance of defense equipment between India and Vietnam.
Additionally, India is considering providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul support for Vietnam’s Sukhoi-30 fighter jets and Kilo-class submarines.
During his visit to South Korea, the focus will shift to defense production, technology transfer, and collaboration on new military technologies. Ongoing cooperation on the K-9 Vajra artillery system is expected to be discussed, along with advancements in next-generation defense technologies, air defense systems, and support for defense startups. The ‘Korea-India Defense Accelerator’ initiative may also be advanced, aiming to provide a shared platform for defense companies, startups, research institutions, and investors from both countries to jointly develop advanced military technologies.
Experts believe that these foreign visits will reinforce India’s Act East policy and its free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific strategy. They assert that in light of China’s growing influence and rising tensions in the South China Sea, India is moving forward to strengthen strategic ties with partner nations like Vietnam and South Korea.
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