Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will pay an official visit to Vietnam from May 18 to 19, 2026, followed by Republic of Korea from May 19 to 21, 2026. In a post on X prior to his departure, Defence Minister looked forward to visiting the two Asian nations to further expand the scope of bilateral engagement. The focus will be on deepening strategic military cooperation, strengthening defence industrial partnerships, and boosting maritime collaboration, promoting peace & stability in the Indo-Pacific region, he said.
Singh’s visit to Vietnam marks 10 years of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations which was upgraded to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the state visit of the President of Vietnam to India from May 05 to 07, 2026. Shri Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with the Minister of National Defence of Vietnam General Phan Van Giang during the visit.
A Joint Vision Statement of India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 was signed as part of Raksha Mantri’s last visit from June 08 to 10, 2022. The vision statement clearly enunciates a defined way ahead for bilateral defence cooperation. The two democracies have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the region.
Shri Rajnath Singh’s visit also coincides with the 136th birth anniversary of former President of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh on May 19, 2026. Raksha Mantri will lay a wreath at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and pay tribute as a mark of respect.
During his visit to South Korea, Shri Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with the Minister of National Defence, Republic of Korea Mr Ahn Gyu-back. The Ministers will review defence cooperation between the two countries and explore new initiatives to further strengthen bilateral engagements. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest.
DM will also meet Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Mr Lee, Yong-cheol and chair the India-Korea business roundtable.
India’s contribution in the Korean War is one the most profound chapters in history, defined by unwavering commitment to global peace and stability. India’s decision to extend the support was meant to add a healing touch to the war by deploying 60 Parachute Field Ambulance of the Indian Army. Serving for more than three years, the unit treated over two lakh patients and performed about 2,500 surgeries, in addition to treating a number of civilians. The second major contribution of India was the Chairmanship of Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, an Indian proposal to the UN, which was accepted with majority. Accordingly, Custodian Force of India, a 5,230 strong Indian Army contingent undertook peaceful repatriation of almost 2,000 prisoners of war in the post-war phase.
To honour the fallen soldiers, a joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial with Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Mr Kwon Oh-eul has been planned on May 21, 2026.
The Natural Alignment of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and Republic of Korea’s ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy’ as well as shared values in the Indo-Pacific Region, have opened a new chapter in the relations between the two countries.
