You could see the strategy in the ceremony. Singh’s high-profile tribute to the late leader was meant to put some weight behind the visit, one that is all about deepening ties with a partner like Vietnam in the Indo-Pacific.
It was the 136th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh’s birth when Singh put a wreath at the mausoleum, hailing him as a wellspring of solidarity. Before he did, officials say he was met by the head of the 969th Regiment at the complex.
A symbolic gesture with strategic weight
The gesture was part of a broader set of meetings in Hanoi where Singh made a point of the historical context. He was proud to be there on the day, and in conversation he went back to 1958, when Ho Chi Minh came to India and put down roots for the kind of relationship you have today.
They are ten years into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership now. Singh made it clear that India is in it for the long haul, and these talks are just the next step in a relationship that has come of age.
He got to Hanoi on Monday to start this leg of a two-country tour. The welcome party included the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, our ambassador, the Defence Attache and other top brass.
Defence agenda: industry, training, maritime security
In his talks with their Defence Minister, Phan Van Giang, they went over what’s working and what needs to be done in areas like the defence industry and regional stability. “Productive,” was how he put it on X.
Key developments during the visit include:
– Homage at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum on the 136th birth anniversary
– Review of defence cooperation and regional security
– Focus on maritime security, defence industry and training
– Joint inauguration of a Language Lab in Vietnam
– Exchange of an MoU on AI and quantum technology
There was also time to open up a new Language Lab at the Air Force Officers College and put pen to paper on an MoU for AI and quantum tech. It’s a small but necessary move to build capacity.
BrahMos talks and regional signals
Then there is the matter of the BrahMos. If you talk to those in the know, the supersonic cruise missile will be front and centre. They’ll be looking at where things stand with a supply deal that’s been in the offing for a while.
There’s a sense of forward motion to all of this. It comes on the heels of To Lam’s state visit to New Delhi, and you can tell the defence side of things is picking up speed. Singh has been at pains to make sure the symbolism is matched by results.
Next stop: South Korea and wider Indo-Pacific push
Vietnam is the first of two stops for him. After this, he heads to the Republic of Korea to talk shop on manufacturing and technology.
Over there, he has a full plate: a sit-down with National Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back, a meeting with Lee, Yong-cheol of the DAPA, and a business roundtable. On May 21st he and Kwon Oh-eul will be at the Indian War Memorial for its inauguration.
Why it matters now
But back in Hanoi, it’s about what’s on the table. Better coordination on the seas, some solid linkages in the defence sector and a good training pipeline go a long way to building resilience. And if the BrahMos is to be had, it would be a crown jewel for the partnership.
We’ll be watching to see if the handshakes lead to something of substance. The real test is in the details: any word on the missiles, or how far they’re willing to go on the AI and quantum front.
