New Delhi: Indian Navy warships INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti have arrived at Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as part of the Eastern Fleet’s ongoing deployment in Southeast Asia. The ships are part of an eastern fleet deployment led by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, flag officer commanding Eastern Fleet. The visit is taking place as India and Vietnam continue to work towards increasing cooperation in the maritime domain and enhancing defence exchanges.
The latest indigenous platforms of Indian Navy include the stealth frigate INS Udaygiri and anti-submarine warfare corvette INS Kavaratti. This deployment reinforces the Navy’s ongoing operational presence in the Indo-Pacific and partnerships with nations in the region.
According to the Navy, personnel from both sides will participate in a range of activities during the visit, including professional discussions, ship visits, sporting events and interactions between naval crews. Meetings involving senior officers are also scheduled.
The port call is expected to provide an opportunity for the two navies to review ongoing cooperation and explore areas for greater engagement. India and Vietnam have maintained regular naval interactions in recent years through ship visits, training programmes, defence dialogues and capacity-building initiatives.
The visit takes place weeks after India and Vietnam upgraded their bilateral relationship to an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership. Defence cooperation is a vital component of engagement between the two countries, with a growing focus on maritime security, naval exchanges and cooperation in the defence industry.
Vietnam is considered a key partner in India’s outreach to Southeast Asia. The naval cooperation becomes more relevant in the overall bilateral relationship as both countries have shared interests in the maintenance of stability and secure sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific.
The induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti will further boost ongoing military to military contacts and professional relations between the Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy.