India-Vietnam Ties Scale New Heights: NSA Doval Meets President Tô Lâm
NSA Ajit Doval meets Vietnamese President Tô Lâm and top officials to boost the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In a significant move to solidify diplomatic and security bonds, India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval recently visited Hanoi, where he called on Vietnamese President Tô Lâm. The meeting served as a platform to express gratitude for the unwavering support provided by the Vietnamese leadership in advancing the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During the high-level interaction, NSA Doval conveyed the warm greetings of the Prime Minister of India to President Tô Lâm, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The NSA briefed the President on the various outcomes and discussions that took place during his visit to the country.
Recalling a Landmark Milestone
A key point of discussion was the landmark State visit of President Tô Lâm to India in May 2026. It was during this pivotal visit that bilateral ties between New Delhi and Hanoi were formally elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a new era of cooperation between the two nations.
Strengthening Security and Defense Frameworks
Beyond the presidential meeting, NSA Doval engaged in a series of strategic discussions with Vietnam's top security and defense leadership to ensure the partnership translates into actionable cooperation.
Security Cooperation
The NSA held talks with Senior Lieutenant General Lương Tam Quang, Vietnam's Minister of Public Security and a Politburo Member. The discussions centered on:
- The deep and mutually trusted civilizational partnership between the two nations.
- Promoting existing multifaceted relations in the security sector.
- Exchanging views on current regional and global developments.
Defense Collaboration
Furthering the military dimension of the partnership, NSA Doval met with General Phan Van Giang, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence. The two leaders reviewed ongoing defense cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaborative activities within the defense domain.
Planning for a Historic Anniversary
Looking toward the future, NSA Doval met with Mr. Le Hoai Trung, Vietnam's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Politburo Member. The primary agenda was to discuss the arrangements for commemorating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam, which will take place in 2027.
Both officials discussed ways to mark this historic milestone in a manner that reflects the spirit of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
A Touch of Culture and Spirituality
Adding a cultural dimension to his diplomatic mission, NSA Doval visited the historic Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi. He was warmly received by the Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, the Standing Vice President and Chief Abbot of the Pagoda, as well as the Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice President and Secretary General of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS).