The article discusses the strengthening of ties between India and Vietnam, with a focus on enhancing maritime security cooperation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh agreed to boost defense ties and increase coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. They emphasized the need for a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order, a veiled reference to China’s growing assertiveness in the region. Vietnam is a key partner for India in the Indo-Pacific, and both nations share concerns over China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. The leaders also discussed expanding economic engagement, with India offering a $116 million defense credit to Vietnam for boosting capabilities. They called for respecting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and resolving disputes through peaceful means. The visit aimed to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.