New Delhi, 23 June (H.S.): As part of its operational deployment, the Indian Navy has dispatched three indigenously designed and built warships to Vietnam, where they have arrived at Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City. The ships received a warm welcome from personnel of the Vietnam People's Navy, representatives of the People's Committee, and port authorities, reflecting the long-standing close ties between the two navies and the growing maritime partnership between India and Vietnam.

Led by Rear Admiral Alok Anand, Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Fleet, the deployment includes INS Udaygiri, a stealth frigate, and INS Kavaratti, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, which arrived in Vietnam on June 22. During the port call, the two navies will participate in a wide range of professional engagements, including operational planning discussions and onboard briefings, aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening mutual understanding.

In addition, the visit will feature several community and cultural outreach programmes, friendly sporting events, and guided ship tours. Senior-level interactions have also been scheduled, providing an opportunity for both sides to exchange perspectives and further deepen naval cooperation between India and Vietnam.

Indian Navy spokesperson Captain Vivek Madhwal said the deployment marks the first major presence of the Indian Navy in Vietnam since the two countries elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May. He said the visit is expected to serve as a milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Vietnam and in promoting a rules-based, inclusive maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The discussions between the two navies will focus on maritime cooperation, regional security challenges, and measures to further enhance defence collaboration, particularly in the naval domain.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar