India and Vietnam have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support, marking a major step in defence collaboration and maritime safety. The agreement was finalised during the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue held in Hanoi, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Defence Minister Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien. A Letter of Intent (LoI) was also signed to enhance defence industry cooperation between the two nations.
India-Vietnam Defence Talks: New Submarine Rescue Pact Strengthens Maritime Cooperation
Submarine Search and Rescue Cooperation
The MoA establishes a formal mechanism for India and Vietnam to assist each other in submarine-related emergencies. The agreement includes:
- Coordinated search and rescue operations in case of submarine distress.
- Deployment of trained personnel, specialised equipment, and technical support.
- Joint training programmes to improve operational readiness and underwater safety.
This cooperation ensures faster response during emergencies, improving the overall safety architecture of the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence Industry Collaboration
Alongside the MoA, both countries signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) focusing on:
- Expanding defence manufacturing partnerships.
- Encouraging technology sharing and research collaborations.
- Exploring joint development of naval systems and equipment.
This initiative reflects a growing partnership between India’s defence production sector and Vietnam’s emerging industrial base, furthering the goals of self-reliance and regional security.
Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Maritime Architecture
As submarine operations rise across the Indo-Pacific, the agreement signifies a strategic alignment between India and Vietnam. It enhances naval interoperability and mutual trust, ensuring both nations can respond effectively to underwater threats or accidents. This cooperation supports a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, aligning with global maritime stability efforts.
Deepening Bilateral Strategic Partnership
This pact builds upon the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a relationship grounded in defence, trade, and regional cooperation. It aligns with India’s Act East Policy and highlights Vietnam’s growing importance in Southeast Asian maritime affairs. Both countries are also exploring joint naval exercises and training to strengthen coordination.
Building Future Capabilities
The MoA opens the door to:
- Joint research in submarine rescue technology.
- Knowledge exchange on naval design and underwater systems.
- Collaborative training to build regional capacity in submarine operations.
These steps reflect the increasing technological sophistication of India-Vietnam defence relations.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Event: 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue
- Date: November 2025
- Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
- Indian Representative: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
- Vietnam Representative: Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien
- Key Agreements:
- MoA on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support
- LoI on Defence Industry Collaboration
- Focus Areas: Maritime safety, defence manufacturing, and Indo-Pacific cooperation
Question & Answer
Q1. Where was the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue held?
(a) New Delhi
(b) Hanoi
(c) Ho Chi Minh City
(d) Da Nang
Answer: Hanoi
Q2. Who represented India at the 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue?
(a) Rajnath Singh
(b) S. Jaishankar
(c) Rajesh Kumar Singh
(d) General Anil Chauhan
Answer: Rajesh Kumar Singh
Q3. The MoA signed between India and Vietnam focuses on which area?
(a) Cybersecurity Cooperation
(b) Submarine Search and Rescue Support
(c) Counter-Terrorism Operations
(d) Joint Air Defence Exercises
Answer: Submarine Search and Rescue Support
Q4. The Letter of Intent (LoI) signed between India and Vietnam aims to enhance cooperation in which field?
(a) Education
(b) Agriculture
(c) Defence Industry Collaboration
(d) Energy Sector
Answer: Defence Industry Collaboration
Q5. The India–Vietnam Submarine Rescue MoA contributes to strengthening which regional concept?
(a) One Nation, One Ocean
(b) Indo-Pacific Maritime Security
(c) Global South Defence Pact
(d) ASEAN Industrial Network
Answer: Indo-Pacific Maritime Security
🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Tamil Nadu’s GI Tally Rises to 74: Five New Products Including Woraiyur Sari and Namakkal Cookware")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Japan Approves Restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "DRDO Hands Over Seven Indigenous Defence Technologies: Major Boost to Military Capabilities under TDF Scheme")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Rakshit Hargave Appointed as CEO and Executive Director of Britannia Industries from December 2025")