Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began a four-day visit to Vietnam and South Korea on May 18, 2026, to expand defence cooperation, maritime security coordination, and defence industrial partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit reinforces India’s Act East Policy and its strategic engagement with key regional partners.
Major Highlights
- Rajnath Singh arrived in Hanoi for a two-day official visit before proceeding to South Korea for the second phase of the diplomatic mission.
- The visit coincides with the tenth anniversary of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was recently upgraded to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- During the Vietnam leg of the visit, Rajnath Singh is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang.
- Talks in Vietnam are expected to focus on maritime security cooperation in the South China Sea, regional stability, and implementation of the India-Vietnam Joint Vision Statement towards 2030.
- In South Korea, Rajnath Singh will meet Ahn Gyu-back to discuss regional security developments and new defence collaboration initiatives.
- The Defence Minister will also chair an India-Korea defence business roundtable along with DAPA Minister Lee Yong-cheol to encourage joint production and defence manufacturing partnerships.
- A major highlight of the visit will be the joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial in South Korea on May 21 alongside Kwon Oh-eul.
- The memorial commemorates the contribution of the 60 Parachute Field Ambulance, which treated more than two lakh patients during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953.
- The diplomatic outreach aligns India’s Act East Policy with South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and economic cooperation.
Important Terms
- Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: A high-level bilateral framework involving deep cooperation in security, defense, economy, technology, and diplomacy.
- Act East Policy: India’s strategic policy aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and strategic relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific and East Asia regions.
- 60 Parachute Field Ambulance: A distinguished Indian Army medical unit that provided humanitarian and medical assistance during the Korean War.
