Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday paid homage to Vietnam’s founding father Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi on the occasion of his 136th birth anniversary.
Singh laid a wreath at the mausoleum during his official visit to Vietnam, which is focused on strengthening bilateral defence and strategic cooperation between the two countries. He was received by the Commander of the 969th Regiment before the wreath-laying ceremony at the mausoleum complex.
In a post on X, the Defence Minister said, “Paid homage to the founding father of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh, at the mausoleum on his 136th birth anniversary. His vision, leadership, and enduring commitment to national liberation and global solidarity continue to inspire generations. India-Vietnam friendship remains rooted in shared values and mutual respect.”
Singh arrived in Hanoi on Monday as part of the Vietnam leg of his two-nation Indo-Pacific tour aimed at deepening India’s strategic and defence partnerships in the region.
He was received at the airport by the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, along with the Indian Ambassador to Vietnam and the Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Hanoi. Senior officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence and members of the Indian Embassy were also present.
The visit comes shortly after the state visit of Vietnam President To Lam to New Delhi, reflecting growing momentum in India-Vietnam defence ties.
During his stay in Vietnam, Singh is scheduled to hold talks with his Vietnamese counterpart on a wide range of defence and security issues. Defence cooperation, military exchanges, defence manufacturing, and regional security are expected to remain key focus areas.
Vietnam is the first stop of Singh’s two-nation tour. He will later travel to South Korea, where defence manufacturing, military industry collaboration, and technology cooperation are expected to dominate the agenda.
In South Korea, the Defence Minister will hold bilateral talks with South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back to review existing defence cooperation and explore new initiatives to further strengthen ties. The two sides are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Singh is also scheduled to meet Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Lee Yong-cheol and chair the India-Korea business roundtable during his visit.
Additionally, a joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial with Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul is planned for May 21.
(With ANI inputs)
