India-Vietnam Military Relations

India is firming up its relations with Vietnam in all aspects of bilateral relations, especially in military sphere. Some quick notes:

• India will be providing Brahmos missiles to Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) for which negotiations are going on currently. If this realizes, we can see in near future Vietnam deploying Brahmos missiles in South China Sea. We note that Brahmos, the versatile missile that can operate both as a ship killer and a shore attack weapon will add firepower to Vietnam.
• India is also set to assist Vietnam in weaponising two of its Petya class frigates for anti-submarine role. The frigates, which were procured from Russia, have been operating with reduced capabilities and Vietnam is keen to get them modernised to meet the challenging requirements its navy faces in the region.
• India may also provide at least 10 new Patrol boats to Vietnam under the line of credit route.
• The discussions are also going on towards India selling high-speed heavy weight torpedo ‘Varunastra’, to Vietnam.

All these are aimed at empowering the VPN in South China Sea.