Defense Minister -Rajnath SinghMr Singh, who was on a visit to two countries to promote defense cooperation, reached Vietnam’s capital Hanoi on Monday.Before leaving for Hanoi, Rajnath posted on Instagram, “Today, May 18, I will reach Hanoi. Look forward to visiting Vietnam and South Korea this week to further expand the scope of our relations. I will focus on deepening strategic military cooperation, strengthening defense industrial partnerships, promoting maritime cooperation, and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.In Hanoi, Rajnath will hold bilateral talks with Vietnam’s National Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang. Rajnath’s visit comes on the heels of Vietnamese President To Lam’s state visit to New Delhi, indicating growing momentum in defense ties. The BrahMos missile system is expected to figure prominently in the talks as Vietnam had shown interest in purchasing the cruise missiles during To Lam’s visit to India. Rajnath’s visit coincides with the 136th birth anniversary of former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh on May 19.In South Korea, the Defense Minister will hold bilateral talks with National Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-bak. The ministers will review defense cooperation between the two countries and explore new initiatives to strengthen bilateral relations. According to a release, he will also meet Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Minister Lee, Yong-cheol and Chairman of the India-Korea Trade Roundtable. The joint inauguration of the Indian War Memorial with Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul is scheduled for May 21.