Shafaqna Pakistan: Vietnamese President To Lam is expected to discuss expanding defence cooperation with India during his visit to New Delhi this week, including the possible purchase of BrahMos missiles jointly developed with Russia, according to sources.
India, which has been strengthening its domestic defence industry for both local use and exports, has already sold the supersonic cruise missile system to the Philippines and signed a deal with Indonesia in March.
A potential agreement with Vietnam could be valued at around Rs60 billion ($629 million), including training and logistical support, one source said.
India views Vietnam as an important partner in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region amid China’s growing influence.
A third source said some defence cooperation announcements could be made during To Lam’s May 5–7 visit, though no signing of a weapons deal was expected.
To Lam arrived on Tuesday in the eastern city of Bodh Gaya, a Buddhist pilgrimage site, on Tuesday.
All the sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to talk to the media on government negotiations.
The foreign ministries of India and Vietnam, as well as missile maker BrahMos Aerospace, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. BrahMos is a joint venture between Indian and Russian government entities.
Two-way trade between India and Vietnam crossed $16 billion in the last fiscal year and both sides have been keen to expand economic ties.
India has been helping the Vietnamese military with training and made a gift of the indigenously built missile corvette Kirpan in 2023.
Source: Express Tribune
