Defence cooperation is one of the strong pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam
India's defence enterprises put up an impressive display at the recent Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024, strengthening the country’s reputation as an important manufacturer of cutting-edge defence systems.

The Expo, held in Hanoi during December 19-22, 2024, saw the presence of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), L&T, Neo Power, Brahmos, and Runflat Tyre Systems.

They received “healthy attention” at the Vietnam International Defence Expo, including at the India Seminar at the Expo, the Ministry of Defence said.

DRDO is showcasing India’s advancements in defence technology. The technologies being showcased strengthens the organisation’s commitment to innovation, self-reliance, & international cooperation, DRDO said in a post on social media platform X. 

The India Pavilion at the expo was jointly inaugurated by Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar & Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Sandeep Arya. 

India-Vietnam Defence Cooperation 
Defence cooperation is one of the strong pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam. Additionally, Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and in the Indo-Pacific Region.

During the 14th India-Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue held in New Delhi on August 1, 2024, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane had highlighted the potential of India's domestic defence industry to fulfill capacity and capability enhancement of Friendly Foreign Countries. He said India looked forward to a fruitful partnership with Vietnam People’s Armed Forces and their industries.

Impressive Surge in Defence Production & Exports 
India's defence production portfolio boasts an array of advanced systems, including the BrahMos missile, Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), various helicopters, warships, tanks, artillery guns, missiles, and a wide range of military vehicles and ammunition.

In 2022, India clinched a USD 375-million contract with the Philippines for the export of three BrahMos anti-ship coastal missile batteries. Other ASEAN nations, including Vietnam, have also shown an interest in buying this system.

India’s defence exports have surged to unprecedented levels, soaring from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24. This marks a robust growth of 32.5% over the previous year and a 30-fold increase over the past decade. Currently, India exports defence equipment to over 100 countries, with the USA, France, and Armenia as top destinations in 2023-24. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has set an ambitious goal of reaching ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

The rise in India’s indigenous defence production marks a transformative shift under the government’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative. As of FY 2023-24, defence production reached an unprecedented ₹1,27,265 crore, marking a growth of 174% from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15.