India-Vietnam defense ties on upswing as both ready to fight Cina

Last month, Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding with India that enables their militaries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. India's Ministry of Defense pointed out that this was a milestone for Hanoi, saying it was "the first such major agreement which Vietnam has signed with any country."   The stepping up of defense cooperation comes as both sides aim for an extra layer of security as China flexes its muscle in the South China Sea.   An Indian analyst contended that from Vietnam's perspective, India is seen as a "better bet" than many other nations with which Hanoi has historical issues, including Vietnam War opponent America.   While it is not clear if India would be a security player in the South China Sea, the rise of China has triggered new partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.