Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s official trip to Vietnam is set to focus significantly on discussions regarding the potential sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. This vital visit, taking place over two days from May 18 to 19, includes scheduled bilateral talks with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang.

This visit commemorates a decade of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam, which has recently been upgraded to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the Vietnamese President’s recent state visit to India. The deepening ties intend to bolster defence cooperation between the two nations.

Negotiations on BrahMos Missile Sale Near Completion

The proposed deal regarding the BrahMos missile system has emerged as a key focus in the ongoing negotiations, reportedly nearing completion. Sources indicate that the deal’s estimated value is approximately Rs 60 billion, making it one of the most significant defence agreements currently under consideration.

If finalised, Vietnam would join the list of prominent international operators of the BrahMos system, succeeding the Philippines, which entered into a Rs 36.11 billion agreement for the missile in 2022. The missile system is touted to enhance Vietnam’s maritime defence capabilities considerably, especially amid escalating strategic tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Interest in the BrahMos missile system has reportedly spread to several nations in Central Asia, South America, and the Middle East, as they look to bolster their own defence capabilities. This highlights the growing international appeal of the Indo-Russian missile technology.

Significance of Rajnath Singh’s Visit Beyond Defence Negotiations

In conjunction with official negotiations, Rajnath Singh is also expected to pay tribute to former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh during his visit. He plans to lay a wreath at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, coinciding with the observance of the 136th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh’s birth. This act signifies the longstanding ties and mutual respect between India and Vietnam.

Singh’s itinerary also includes discussions related to regional security dynamics and the strategic coordination efforts within the Indo-Pacific framework. Following his visit to Vietnam, he is scheduled to journey to South Korea from May 19 to 21, where he will engage in talks with South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Defence Acquisition Program Administration Minister Lee Yong-cheol.

During the South Korea visit, Singh aims to expand bilateral defence cooperation and enhance regional security discussions. He will also participate in an India-Korea business roundtable and attend the joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial, commemorating India’s contributions during the Korean War.

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