India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held high-level security discussions with Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security, General Luong Tam Quang, in Hanoi on Monday, November 2, 2026, as New Delhi and Hanoi seek to deepen their strategic and security partnership amid an evolving regional and global security environment.
The delegation-level meeting focused on reviewing ongoing bilateral cooperation in the security domain and exploring ways to further strengthen the multifaceted relationship between the two countries. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, highlighting their shared strategic interests and growing convergence on security challenges.
The meeting assumes significance as India and Vietnam have
stepped up their engagement following the elevation of bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to India in May 2026.
Security cooperation remains a key pillar of this upgraded partnership, with both countries looking to expand collaboration in traditional as well as emerging areas, including counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, intelligence and information sharing, and combating transnational crime.
The discussions in Hanoi also follow the fourth India-Vietnam Security Dialogue held in New Delhi on October 16. The dialogue was co-chaired by India’s Deputy National Security Adviser Pavan Kapoor and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Pham The Tung.
During the meeting, the two sides undertook a comprehensive review of cooperation covering economic security, maritime engagements, counter-terrorism, emerging technologies and cybersecurity. They also discussed the wider regional and global security environment and reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination on matters of mutual interest.
The May 2026 upgrade in bilateral relations had provided fresh momentum to this cooperation. During President To Lam’s visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Vietnamese leader agreed to strengthen institutional mechanisms and expand collaboration across defence, security, maritime affairs, technology and other strategic sectors.
The two countries have also emphasised capacity building, professional training and greater coordination between their security establishments.
For India, closer engagement with Vietnam is an important component of its Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific outreach. Vietnam, meanwhile, remains an important strategic partner in Southeast Asia, particularly in the context of maritime security and regional stability.
Doval’s visit underscores the growing importance both countries attach to their security partnership and their shared interest in translating strategic convergence into more substantive cooperation.
