With China continuing to flex its muscles in South China Sea, India and Vietnam are now going all out to shore up their defense cooperation. The latest report on military cooperation comes on the back of several defense pacts signed between the two countries in recent years.    

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Reports in Indian media claimed that New Delhi has started a discussion with Vietnam on sale of Akash surface-to-air missile. Akash is India's indigenous missile that can intercept hostile aircrafts, helicopters, and drones within the range of 25 kms.

Sources within New Delhi claimed that Vietnam is showing interest in acquiring the Akash missiles and discussions have already reached advanced stage on critical issues such as "transfer of technology" and "joint production."

"Talks are in progress to arrive at a common plan. It's relatively easier on the Akash front since the missile system is 96% indigenous," a source said.   

These talks are likely to reach conclusive level when two defense secretaries of both countries will meet soon enough. Both secretaries are also likely to explore military projects under the new $500 million defense line of credit announced by the Indian prime minister in September.

It must also be noted that India and Hanoi signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in December last year.

India, over the years, has been pushing hard to forge defense pacts with countries located in China's backyard, with an apparent aim to challenge Beijing's supremacy in the South China Sea region.

New Delhi's hard stance on South China Sea is apparently seen as a fitting response to China's alleged interference in the South Asian region where Chinese companies are carrying out massive infrastructure projects.

India alleged that through these infrastructure projects, China is trying to cement its footprints in its backyard. However, Chinese projects in Indian subcontinent have been dodged with controversies and marred with public protest.       

TagsIndia, India and Vietnam, Vietnam, Akash surface-to-air missile, china, China and India