Hanoi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday paid tributes to Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of Vietnam, at the Mausoleum in Hanoi on the occasion of his 136th birth anniversary.
Singh arrived in Hanoi on Monday afternoon for a two-day visit to Vietnam, marking 10 years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, which was upgraded to Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the State visit of Vietnamese President To Lam earlier this month.
Taking to X, the Defence Minister said, “Paid homage to the founding father of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh, at 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,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, Singh addressed the Indian community in Hanoi and described Operation Sindoor as a testimony to India’s transformation into a strong, confident, and capable nation.
“While India remains committed to the no first use policy, it will not succumb to nuclear blackmail and stands ready to respond firmly to any enemy misadventure,” he emphasised.
India is rapidly advancing in the semiconductor sector. This is not just a story of technological progress, but also a story of building a new India, he wrote on X.
He invited the international community to be a part of this opportunity for India’s development, investment, and partnership.
“Today, India’s growing prestige in the international community and the performance of our government have strengthened the confidence of every Indian,” he noted.
Singh is on an official visit to Vietnam from May 18 to 19, followed by a visit to South Korea from May 19 to 21.
“I will focus on deepening strategic military cooperation, strengthening defence industrial partnerships, and boosting maritime collaboration, promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” Singh wrote on X ahead of the visit.
According to the Ministry of Defence, during his visit to South Korea, Singh will hold bilateral talks with Ahn Gyu-back, South Korea’s Minister of National Defence.
The Ministers will review defence cooperation between the two countries and explore new initiatives to further strengthen bilateral engagements.
They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest.
He will also meet Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration Lee Yong-cheol and chair the India-Korea business roundtable.
(IANS)
