Focus to Remain on Military Cooperation, Defence Industry Partnership, and Peace in the Indo-Pacific Region
New Delhi, May 18 (H.S.):
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh departed on Monday for official visits to Vietnam and South Korea. The Defence Minister expressed hope that the visits would further deepen bilateral ties with both Asian nations.
He stated that the primary objective of the tour is to strengthen strategic military cooperation, defence industry partnerships, and maritime collaboration in order to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rajnath Singh will visit Vietnam from May 18 to 19, followed by a visit to South Korea from May 19 to 21.
### Vietnam Visit Focused on Strategic Partnership
The Defence Minister’s visit to Vietnam comes as the two countries mark 10 years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During the recent visit of the Vietnamese President to India from May 5 to 7, both nations agreed to further elevate and strengthen this partnership.
During his visit, Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with Vietnam’s Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang.
Earlier, during his previous visit from June 8 to 10, 2022, both countries signed a Joint Vision Statement on the India-Vietnam Defence Partnership extending to 2030. The vision statement outlined a clear and structured roadmap for bilateral defence cooperation.
Both democratic nations share common interests in maintaining peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
Rajnath Singh’s visit also coincides with the 136th birth anniversary of former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh on May 19. On the occasion, the Defence Minister will pay tribute by laying a wreath at Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum.
### South Korea Visit to Strengthen Defence Cooperation
During his visit to South Korea, Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral discussions with Republic of Korea Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back.
The two ministers are expected to review ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries and discuss new initiatives aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The Defence Minister will additionally meet Lee Yong-cheol, Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), and will chair the India-Korea Business Roundtable Conference.
On May 21, a joint inauguration ceremony of the Indian War Memorial in South Korea will be held to honor fallen soldiers. South Korean minister Kwon Oh-yul will also attend the event.
India’s “Act East Policy” and South Korea’s “Indo-Pacific Strategy” have developed a natural synergy, while shared values in the Indo-Pacific region have added a new dimension to bilateral ties.
### India’s Historic Contribution During the Korean War
India’s contribution during the Korean War remains one of the most significant chapters in history, reflecting its unwavering commitment to global peace and stability.
The deployment of the Indian Army’s 60 Parachute Field Ambulance unit in South Korea aimed to restore peace and humanitarian support during the war. Over more than three years of service, the unit treated over 200,000 patients and conducted nearly 2,500 surgical operations, while also providing medical care to numerous civilians.
India’s second major contribution was chairing the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, a proposal India submitted to the United Nations that was later accepted by a majority vote.
Under this arrangement, the Indian Custodian Force, comprising 5,230 troops, peacefully repatriated nearly 2,000 prisoners of war during the post-war phase.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
