A military exercise jointly conducted by the armies of India and Vietnam concluded in Chandimandir after nearly three weeks. This exercise marked the first time that the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) engaged in field training with a foreign army, showcasing the strong relationship between the two countries. The focus of the exercise, named VINBAX 2022, was on the deployment of Army Engineer and Medical teams in UN Peacekeeping operations. Soldiers from both armies had the opportunity to learn from each other and share best practices during the three-week period.
Vietnam deployed a contingent in UN peacekeeping operations for the first time in South Sudan, while India has a long history of contributing to such missions. The soldiers from both countries underwent theory classes and practical exercises to validate their learning. The final validation exercise, known as “Men in Blue,” involved setting up a base in a remote African location facing numerous challenges.
India and Vietnam upgraded their relationship to a “strategic partnership” in 2007 and further to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” in 2016. Vietnam, a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. India has oil exploration projects in Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea and both countries are enhancing their maritime security cooperation to safeguard common interests.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Vietnam to India, Pham Sanh Chau, and a high-level observer delegation from the VPA. Lt Gen Nav Kumar Khanduri, GOC-in-C, Western Command, presided over the event, which was hosted by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, GOC 2 Corps. The next edition of VINBAX is scheduled to be held in Vietnam in 2023.
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