Two naval ships of India to make friendship visit to Vietnam

 Two naval ships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kadmatt, are scheduled to arrive at Nha Rong Wharf for a goodwill visit to Ho Chi Minh City from June 24-26, according to the Indian Embassy in Hanoi.

The visit is part of bilateral defense activities aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two navies. It is of particular importance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-India diplomatic relations.

Indian officers will meet Vietnamese officers and a number of Vietnamese Government officials. They will also visit several historical sites and take part in sports events in Ho Chi Minh City.

During the visit, the Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy will conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) to ensure the capacity for cooperation and communication in the event of war or humanitarian disaster.

The two countries have regularly maintained visit exchanges of their naval ships and coast guard ships. The frigate 016 Quang Trung of the Vietnam People’s Navy visited India in February 2022 to participate in the MILAN multilateral naval exercise, the largest of its kind in India.

Diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam were established in 1972 which have grown stronger in recent years due to a vibrant economic engagement and growing convergence on political, regional, and security issues. 

The relations between two countries were elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership, during the visit of Indian Prime Minister to Vietnam in September 2016.

Both sides attach great importance to the development of bilateral relations and have together, shown commitment to maintaining high level contacts during the challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Vietnam from June 8-10.