India and Vietnam have come together to broaden the scope and scale of defence ties by 2030, which also includes improving mutual logistics support that will allow militaries of both the nations to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. The MoU on mutual logistics support is the first such document signed by Vietnam with any country. The agreement will allow militaries of both the countries to use mutual bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. The agreement was signed by Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh and his Vietnamese counterpart General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi, which is also seen as a major boost to India-Vietnam strategic ties amidst common concerns over China’s increasing dominance over the South China sea. India has oil exploration projects in Vietnam’s territorial waters in the South China Sea. Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East Policy. Mr. Rajnath Singh and General Giang also agreed for early finalisation of $500 million defence Line of Credit (LoC) that will be extended by India to Vietnam. The implementation of projects under LoC will add to the defence capabilities of Vietnam and will contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Make in India – Make for the world.”
