India boosts defence cooperation with Vietnam

India attaches much importance to fostering defence cooperation with Vietnam – one of India’s top partners in Southeast Asia. 

Chairman of the Indian Chiefs of Staff Committee and Air Chief Marshal Norman Anil Kumar Browne made the statement while receiving Sen. Lieut. Gen. Do Ba Ty, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, in New Delhi on September 24. 

Air Chief Marshal Browne expressed his belief that the visit of the high-ranking Vietnamese army delegation will create an impetus for the next development of the two countries’ strategic partnership, including defence cooperation. 

For his part, Sen. Lieut. Gen Ty spoke highly of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and India, which was founded by late President Ho Chi Minh and late Prime Minister Nehru and nurtured by generations of leaders and peoples of the two countries. 

He congratulated the Indian Government and people on achievements they have made in the national construction and development, voicing his belief that the South Asian country will develop more prosperously with its acclaimed position in the regional and international arenas. 

Both host and guest shared their delight at the development in bilateral defence cooperation in all realms, especially since the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral defence cooperation in 2009. 

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation through delegation exchange, deputy minister-level defence dialogue, training, naval and air force cooperation. 

Browne affirmed to actively assist Vietnam in preparation for joining the UN peacekeeping activities. 

India strongly supports Vietnam’s initiative to set up an expert working group on humanitarian mine action at the second Asian Defence Ministerial Meeting Plus (ADMM+), he said, adding that his country will join hands with Vietnam to realise this plan as a co-host. 

The same day, Sen. Lieut. Gen Ty met with senior Indian military officials, including the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff.

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