New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic engagement, Rajnath Singh meets Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This meeting was on the sidelines of the 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM). The leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. They aimed to bolster strategic and security ties between the two nations.
Taking to X, Singh shared, “Happy to have met Defence Minister Phan Van Giang in Kuala Lumpur,” expressing satisfaction over the productive dialogue. It reinforces the growing India-Vietnam partnership.
The meeting comes ahead of the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). Here, India continues to play a key role in strengthening regional security and advancing its Act East Policy, which is crucial after Singh’s meeting with the Vietnamese Defence Minister.
Earlier, Singh also held a bilateral meeting with Malaysia’s Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. They explored new avenues to deepen the India–Malaysia defence partnership. Singh posted on X, reflecting on how the interactions with various ministers, including the Vietnamese Defence Minister, signal India’s strengthening global ties.
“Had a very good conversation with the Defence Minister of Malaysia. Discussed ways to further strengthen our defence cooperation.”
Adding a global dimension to his visit, Singh met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur. During this meeting, the two leaders signed a 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This landmark agreement marks a new chapter in Indo-US defence relations. It reflects India’s growing role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific security landscape.
The Ministry of Defence stated that these back-to-back engagements reflect India’s commitment to regional peace, strategic collaboration, and multilateral dialogue. These initiatives are through ASEAN platforms, including Singh’s engagement with the Vietnamese Defence Minister.
Rajnath Singh’s Malaysia visit highlights India’s proactive diplomacy and robust partnerships across Southeast Asia. Singh’s meeting with the Vietnamese Defence Minister sets the tone for deeper cooperation, technology sharing, and joint defence initiatives in the years to come.
–IANS
