India’s defence diplomacy gets a boost as Rajnath Singh leaves for Vietnam, South Korea

In a post on X ahead of his departure, Singh said he looked forward to visiting the two Asian nations to further expand the scope of bilateral engagement.

“The focus will be on deepening strategic military cooperation, strengthening defence industrial partnerships, and boosting maritime collaboration, thereby promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Vietnam visit marks strategic milestone

Singh’s visit to Vietnam coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, which was elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the state visit of the President of Vietnam to India from May 5 to 7, 2026.

During his visit, Singh will hold bilateral talks with Phan Van Giang.

The two sides are expected to review progress under the India-Vietnam defence partnership framework. A Joint Vision Statement of India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 was signed during Singh’s previous visit to Vietnam from June 8 to 10, 2022, outlining a roadmap for enhanced defence cooperation.

India and Vietnam share common democratic values and a mutual interest in ensuring peace, security and prosperity in the region.

Singh’s visit also coincides with the 136th birth anniversary of former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh on May 19. As a mark of respect, the Defence Minister will lay a wreath at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Strengthening India–South Korea defence ties

In South Korea, Singh will hold bilateral talks with Ahn Gyu-back to review ongoing defence cooperation and explore new initiatives to deepen strategic engagement.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest.

Singh will additionally meet Lee Yong-cheol and chair the India-Korea business roundtable aimed at boosting defence industrial collaboration.

Honouring India’s Korean War legacy

India’s contribution to the Korean War remains one of the most significant chapters in its military diplomacy, reflecting its enduring commitment to global peace and stability.

India deployed the 60 Parachute Field Ambulance unit of the Indian Army, which served for over three years, treated more than 200,000 patients, and performed nearly 2,500 surgeries, including medical assistance to civilians.

India also chaired the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, following an Indian proposal accepted by the United Nations. Under this framework, the 5,230-strong Custodian Force of India oversaw the peaceful repatriation of nearly 2,000 prisoners of war during the post-war phase.

To honour the fallen soldiers, Singh will jointly inaugurate the Indian War Memorial on May 21 along with Kwon Oh-eul.

Shared Indo-Pacific vision

Officials said the natural alignment between India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, coupled with shared democratic values, has opened a new chapter in bilateral relations and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.