India, Vietnam Armies Start 11-Day Hanoi Exercise

The Indian and Vietnamese Armies have initiated an 11-day military exercise in Vietnam, commencing on December 11. This collaborative endeavor, named “VINBAX-23,” reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and is a response to shared concerns over China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.

Expanding Strategic Engagement

The joint military exercise is part of an expanding strategic engagement between India and Vietnam, emphasizing their commitment to counterbalance China’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea. This collaboration aims to foster a collaborative partnership and enhance interoperability between the Indian and Vietnamese forces.

Defence Cooperation

The Indian Army highlights that the exercise is instrumental in promoting understanding and interoperability, further strengthening the defense cooperation between the friendly armies. This cooperation was underscored earlier in July when India gifted its in-service missile corvette, INS Kirpan, to Vietnam.

Territorial Disputes and Oil Exploration

Vietnam, an essential member of the ASEAN, faces territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea region. India, in a show of support, has ongoing oil-exploration projects in Vietnamese waters within the contested region, reinforcing their strategic alignment against common challenges.

Details of VINBAX-23

The military exercise, VINBAX-23, spans from December 11 to 21 and is hosted in Hanoi. The Indian contingent consists of 45 personnel, including 39 from the Bengal Engineer Group’s engineer regiment and six from the Army Medical Corps. Correspondingly, Vietnam has deployed 45 personnel for the drill.

Background of VINBAX

Instituted in 2018, VINBAX is an annual training event alternately conducted in India and Vietnam. The first edition took place in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The most recent edition occurred in August 2022 at the Chandimandir military station.

Focus and Objectives

According to the Indian Army, the exercise is designed to promote collaborative partnership, interoperability, and the sharing of best practices. It aligns with Chapter VII of the UN Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. The training will be a command post exercise-cum-field training exercise with a focus on deploying and employing an engineer company and a medical team.

Training Activities

The exercise will encourage the exchange of ideas, with both contingents jointly rehearsing tactics, techniques, and procedures. Modern methods for constructing roads, culverts, helipads, ammunition shelters, and observation posts in operational areas will be discussed. Additionally, rehearsals will be conducted for combat engineering and combat medical tasks.

Validation Exercise

The drill will culminate with a validation exercise, showcasing the standards achieved by both contingents. Technical military operations will be conducted in scenarios mirroring the worldwide deployment of United Nations’ contingents.