Rajnath Singh is visiting Vietnam and South Korea to enhance strategic defence cooperation and maritime collaboration.
May 18, 2026: Rajnath Singh on Monday began a four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea aimed at strengthening defence ties, boosting joint military production and enhancing Indo-Pacific cooperation. Before departing for Hanoi, Singh said the visit would focus on expanding defence industrial partnerships, maritime security collaboration and regional stability.
In Hanoi, Singh is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Vietnamese Defence Minister Gen Phan Van Giang. The discussions are expected to cover defence manufacturing cooperation, joint development of military hardware and the evolving security situation in the South China Sea, where China’s growing military presence has raised regional concerns. India has consistently supported peaceful resolution of disputes under international law and UNCLOS.
After Vietnam, Singh will travel to South Korea for a three-day visit, where he will meet Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Defence Acquisition Programme Administration Minister Lee Yong-cheol. The visit will also include an India-Korea business roundtable focusing on defence and industrial cooperation. The Indian government said the shared Indo-Pacific vision of both countries has opened a new phase in bilateral relations.