INDIA–VIETNAM MARITIME & SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION
Why in News?
India and Vietnam recently deepened their maritime and scientific cooperation through a high-profile visit by the Indian oceanographic research vessel INS Sagardhwari to Vietnam. This development underscores their shared focus on ocean research and regional stability amid Indo-Pacific tensions.
Key Maritime & Defence Information
- Acquisitions & Credit: Vietnam is finalizing the procurement of 14 high-speed patrol boats and three to four Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) from India under a $500 million defence credit line.
- Information Sharing: Vietnam will now post an International Liaison Officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram to boost regional maritime surveillance.
- Submarine Support: A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed for mutual submarine search and rescue support.
- Defence Manufacturing: Both nations are exploring joint research, co-development, and co-production of defence technologies to reduce external dependencies.
- Joint Exercises: A Vietnam People’s Navy ship participated in MILAN 26 and the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam in early 2026.
Scientific & Technological Cooperation
- Oceanography: Scientists from India's Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) and Vietnam’s Institute of Oceanography are collaborating on ocean observing platforms, data management, and ocean prediction services.
- Emerging Tech: Bilateral talks are focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) missions, cybersecurity frameworks, and 6G technology.
- Rare Earth Minerals: An MoU was signed between IREL (India) Limited and Vietnam’s VINATOM to secure supply chains for rare earth elements.
- Space & Nuclear Energy: The two countries are exploring peaceful uses of atomic energy and collaboration in space and biotechnology.
- Aquaculture: India is cooperating with Vietnam to set up Pangasius breeding and farming facilities and mussels' procurement.
Strategic & Economic Highlights
- Trade Target: Both nations have set an ambitious bilateral trade target of $25 billion by 2030.
- Digital Payments: An agreement between the RBI and the State Bank of Vietnam will link retail payment platforms via QR codes for easier tourist transactions.
- South China Sea: Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation and peaceful dispute resolution according to UNCLOS.
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