BrahMos Deal Confirmed: India’s Defence Secretary R.K. Singh said Vietnam’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile deal is already signed (likely not yet publicly announced), while Indonesia’s pact is in the final stages—another signal of Hanoi’s deepening defence ties as regional maritime tensions simmer. Shangri-La Dialogue Push: Vietnam’s President To Lam used the IISS forum to warn of erosion of the rules-based order and a widening “trust deficit,” urging countries to proactively shape peace and stability through dialogue and multilateralism. Vietnam–China Balancing: In a Reuters interview, To Lam said Vietnam strengthens relations with China and the US without “picking sides,” arguing good ties and sovereignty protection reinforce each other. ASEAN Defence Cooperation: ASEAN defence ministers reiterated ASEAN centrality and agreed on deeper training and information-sharing, including HADR cooperation and ADMM-Plus exercises. Public Health Proposal: Vietnam’s Health Ministry proposed banning people born on/after Jan 1, 2010 from buying and using tobacco to build a “smoke-free generation.” Regional Military Drills: Exercise PRAGATI 2026 concluded in Meghalaya with 13 nations and 400+ troops running counter-terrorism validation drills, including Vietnam’s participation. Hanoi Political Angle: Vietnam’s outreach to Singapore—urging the Vietnamese community to act as a bridge—came alongside fresh investment and tech cooperation talks during To Lam’s visit.