Paying homage at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Rajnath Singh praised the late Vietnamese leader’s commitment to national liberation…reports Asian Lite News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday paid tribute to Vietnam’s founding father, Ho Chi Minh, at his mausoleum in Hanoi on the occasion of the late leader’s 136th birth anniversary.
Singh, who arrived in the Vietnamese capital on Monday for a two day official visit, is in the country as India and Vietnam mark a decade of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The ties were recently elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the state visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India earlier this month.
Sharing details of the visit on X, Singh said he paid homage to Ho Chi Minh and praised his enduring legacy.
“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,” the Defence Minister posted.
Earlier on Monday, Singh addressed members of the Indian community in Hanoi, where he highlighted India’s growing global stature and stressed the country’s readiness to safeguard its national interests. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he described it as a reflection of India’s transformation into a “strong, confident and capable nation”.
He also reiterated India’s position on nuclear policy, saying that while the country remains committed to its no first use doctrine, it would not yield to nuclear blackmail and was prepared to respond firmly to any hostile action.
Singh further underlined India’s progress in the semiconductor sector, calling it not only a story of technological advancement but also a symbol of a “new India” focused on innovation and economic growth. He invited global partners to participate in India’s development journey through investment and collaboration opportunities.
“Today, India’s growing prestige in the international community and the performance of our government have strengthened the confidence of every Indian,” he said.
Ahead of the visit, Singh said his engagements in Vietnam would focus on strengthening strategic military ties, expanding defence industrial cooperation and enhancing maritime collaboration to support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Defence Minister is visiting Vietnam from May 18 to 19 before travelling to South Korea for a three day visit from May 19 to 21.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, Singh will hold bilateral talks in South Korea with Ahn Gyu-back to review defence cooperation and explore new avenues to deepen bilateral engagement. The two sides are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
During the South Korea visit, Singh will also meet Lee Yong-cheol and chair the India Korea business roundtable.
