India-Vietnam Defence Cooperation: Military Engineering Exchange in Pune

India and Vietnam strengthen defence cooperation through military engineering expertise, counter-IED training, HADR and UN peacekeeping exchanges in Pune.

India and Vietnam Strengthen Defence Cooperation Through Military Engineering Expert Exchange in Pune

By News National Editorial Team

India and Vietnam are continuing to strengthen their defence relationship through professional military exchanges, technical training and cooperation in specialised areas of military engineering.

According to the event information provided, a four-member delegation from the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) visited the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune, Maharashtra, from November 3 to 5, 2026, under the Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) programme.

The engagement focused on sharing professional knowledge and experience in combat engineering, counter-improvised explosive device (counter-IED) operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and engineering support for United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Focus on Military Engineering Expertise

Military engineering plays an important role in modern defence operations. Military engineers support armed forces by developing and maintaining infrastructure, clearing obstacles, supporting mobility and conducting specialised engineering operations.

The reported exchange provided an opportunity for Indian and Vietnamese military experts to discuss professional practices and share their respective experiences in these areas.

The key areas of discussion included:

1. Combat Engineering

Combat engineering involves providing engineering support to military forces during operations. Activities can include mobility support, obstacle clearance, infrastructure development and battlefield engineering.

2. Counter-IED Operations

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) present serious security challenges in conflict and operational environments. Counter-IED capabilities involve identifying, detecting and responding to explosive threats while reducing risks to military personnel and civilians.

3. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief

HADR operations involve providing emergency assistance during natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Military engineering capabilities can support rescue operations, temporary infrastructure, road clearance and restoration of essential services.

4. Engineering Support to UN Peacekeeping Missions

Military engineers also contribute to United Nations peacekeeping operations by supporting infrastructure, mobility, camp development and essential engineering requirements in mission areas.

College of Military Engineering: A Key Indian Army Institution

The College of Military Engineering in Pune is an important Indian Army training institution specialising in military engineering education and professional development.

It provides training and develops technical capabilities in areas relevant to military engineering operations.

The institution also provides opportunities for professional interaction and knowledge-sharing with international military partners.

Vietnamese military representatives have participated in earlier exchanges at the institution as part of broader defence cooperation between the two countries.

India–Vietnam Defence Partnership

Defence cooperation is an important component of the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both countries have developed cooperation through military training, defence dialogues, professional exchanges, joint exercises and capacity-building initiatives.

The Joint Vision Statement on India–Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030, adopted in June 2022, provides a framework for strengthening bilateral defence engagement.

In November 2025, the two countries held their 15th Defence Policy Dialogue in Hanoi. Discussions covered capacity building, military training, United Nations peacekeeping cooperation and defence industry collaboration.

The two sides also signed an agreement on mutual submarine search and rescue support and a Letter of Intent to strengthen defence industry cooperation.

In October 2026, another delegation of 10 Vietnamese young officers visited Indian defence establishments in Pune, Ahilyanagar and Deolali under the Young Officers Exchange Programme.

These engagements demonstrate the continued importance both countries attach to military-to-military interaction and professional cooperation.

Building Stronger Military Relationships

Professional exchanges allow military personnel to understand each other's training systems, operational experiences and technical capabilities.

Cooperation in military engineering, disaster relief and UN peacekeeping can also contribute to improved coordination in international humanitarian and peace-support operations.

India and Vietnam have continued to expand their defence engagement through institutional partnerships and regular exchanges.

News National Perspective: Defence cooperation is not limited to military equipment or high-level agreements. Professional training, technical knowledge-sharing and institutional relationships also play an important role in building long-term trust between partner countries.