Vietnam President To Lam Boosts Defense Ties with US, India, Emphasizes Regional Balance

Vietnam's Party General Secretary and State President To Lam highlighted the country's central role in maintaining ASEAN regional balance, a view echoed by Russian analyst Grigory Trofimchuk, and urged concrete institutional reforms rather than slogans.

To Lam hosted US Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, reaffirming the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussing defence cooperation, including joint searches for missing US personnel from the Vietnam War and enhanced maritime security.

An Indian Navy frigate flotilla (INS Udaygiri and INS Taragiri) arrived in Ho Chi Minh City for a three‑day goodwill visit, aiming to strengthen traditional friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and India.

Vietnam also co‑organized a United Nations staff‑officer training programme with Canada and launched major domestic projects, including three rental‑housing complexes, five metro lines in Hanoi, and a land‑use plan adjustment for 2021‑2030 and a 2050 vision.