Rajnath Singh begins Vietnam, South Korea visit; focus on defence industrial ties

New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh has embarked on a four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea, aiming to bolster industrial partnerships and maritime collaboration as well as discuss measures for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. "The focus will be on deepening strategic military cooperation, strengthening defence industrial partnerships, and boosting maritime collaboration, promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Singh said before his departure.

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On the first leg of the trip, Singh reached Vietnam on Monday, with the visit marking 10 years of comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations, which was upgraded to enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership this month.

Singh, who is also leading a defence industry delegation, will hold bilateral talks with Vietnam's national defence minister General Phan Van Giang during the visit. A joint vision statement between the two nations outlined a roadmap for bilateral defence cooperation, which includes sharing of defence technologies.

In South Korea, Singh will hold bilateral talks with the national defence minister Ahn Gyu-back. "The ministers will review defence cooperation between the two countries and explore new initiatives to further strengthen bilateral engagements," an official said, adding that they will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest.

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Singh is also slated to meet the defence acquisition program administration minister Lee, Yong-cheol and chair the India-Korea business roundtable. A joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial with the patriots and veterans affairs minister Kwon Oh-eul has been planned for Thursday.