India- Vietnam: Bilateral Maritime Drill conducted in South China Sea

August 19, 2021

Indian Navy and Vietnam People’s Navy conducted joint drills in the South China Sea as part of maritime cooperation between both the countries.

Key Points

From Indian side, INS Ranvijay and INS Kora undertook bilateral maritime exercises.
While from Vietnam, frigate VPNS Ly Thai To (HQ-012) took part.
Indian Naval ships arrived at Cam Ranh, Vietnam for harbour phase.
It also conducted professional interactions with VPN maintaining extant Covid-19 protocols.

Aim of the bilateral interaction

This bilateral military exercise was conducted with the aim of consolidating a strong bond shared by both the navies. It is a step towards strengthening India-Vietnam defence relations.

About the drill

Sea phase comprised of surface warfare exercises, helicopter operations, and weapon firing drills.

Defence relation between India and Vietnam

Regular bilateral interactions between both the navies have enhanced their interoperability and adaptability. Defence relationship between both the countries have been robust. They undertook a defence security dialogue in June 2021 and Indian Naval ships have been visiting Vietnamese ports frequently. Both the countries have also strengthened cooperation between the two navies over the years.

About INS Ranvijay

INS Ranvijay is a guided-missile destroyer. It is the latest INS of the Rajput class. It was commissioned on December 21, 1987. It has been equipped with several weapons and sensors comprising of a surface-to-surface missile, anti-air missiles and guns, anti-submarine rockets and heavy weight torpedoes. It is also capable of carrying anti-submarine helicopters called Kamov 28.