# Vietnam defense and strategic cooperation expansion

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-defense-and-strategic-cooperation-expansion
> Updated: 2026-11-09T06:25:20.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 4.

Vietnam has engaged in multiple high level diplomatic efforts to strengthen its defense and strategic partnerships. In early November 2026, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visited Hanoi to reinforce the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions with Vietnamese leadership, including Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang, focused on bilateral defense cooperation, training, and the Joint Vision Statement on the Vietnam-India Defense Partnership towards 2030.

Concurrently, Vietnam expanded its security ties with Singapore. During an official visit by General Nguyen Tan Cuong from November 4 to 5, the two nations agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, maritime security, and emerging technologies. Discussions with Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing and Vice Admiral Aaron Beng highlighted human resource training, search and rescue, and joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises.

Vietnam also strengthened ties with the United States and Australia through defense dialogues. During the 14th Defence Policy Dialogue in Washington, D.C., co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Nguyen Truong Thang and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense John Noh, officials discussed defense industry cooperation, cybersecurity, and United Nations peacekeeping. A significant portion of the dialogue addressed war legacy issues, including dioxin pollution and requests for increased information sharing and DNA identification capabilities to assist in identifying the remains of fallen Vietnamese servicemen.

In Hanoi, Vietnam and Australia co-chaired their 9th Defense Policy Dialogue, led by Deputy Minister Thang and Australian Deputy Secretary of Defense Hugh Jeffrey. Following the upgrade of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024, the talks focused on regional security, maritime issues, and UN peacekeeping, with Vietnam reaffirming its commitment to resolving disputes through international law, specifically UNCLOS.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: Vietnam and Australia hold 9th Defense Policy Dialogue

Vietnam and Australia co-chaired the 9th Defense Policy Dialogue in Hanoi to expand defense cooperation and discuss maritime security and UN peacekeeping efforts.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-and-australia-hold-9th-defense-policy-dialogue

### 2026-11-06: Vietnam and United States hold 14th Defence Policy Dialogue

Vietnam and the U.S. held their 14th Defence Policy Dialogue in Washington, focusing on deepening strategic ties, cybersecurity, and resolving war legacy issues like dioxin remediation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-and-united-states-hold-14th-defence-policy-dialogue

### 2026-11-04: Vietnam and Singapore agree to deepen defense cooperation

Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to expand military cooperation in areas including cybersecurity, maritime security, and emerging technologies following high-level defense talks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-and-singapore-agree-to-deepen-defense-cooperation

### 2026-11-01: India and Vietnam strengthen strategic and defense ties

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is visiting Hanoi to bolster defense and security cooperation with Vietnam under their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ajit-doval-arrives-in-hanoi-for-talks-with-vietnamese-leadership

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Cite as: Vietnam defense and strategic cooperation expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-defense-and-strategic-cooperation-expansion