Helicopters, drones in tow, India and Vietnam expand scope of joint drill

Chandigarh, November 22

India and Vietnam have expanded the scope of their annual bilateral training exercise, VINBAX, the fifth edition of which concluded at Chandimandir Military Station on Friday.

The deployment of helicopters for support during disaster relief operations, use of swarm drones for recce and surveillance, and the disposal of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices were new aspects of the drill, said Senior Colonel Nguyen Ba Hung, Deputy Director of Peace Keeping Operations, Ministry of National Defence, Vietnam.

The Senior Colonel said the bilateral exercise marked a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between India and Vietnam, demonstrating their commitment to cooperation in disaster management and relief efforts.

Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding, Kharga Corps, said the India-Vietnam bilateral relations had evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership in which defence cooperation was an important pillar. He said the successful conduct of VINBAX-2024 had effectively strengthened mutual understanding and enhanced inter-operability between the two nations.

“The cooperation between the two countries, which is vital for peace and security in South Asia as their interests converge in this region, is forward looking and based on proactive engagements. As India and Vietnam continue to play important roles in the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN regions, their bilateral relationship is expected to further deepen and broaden in the coming years,” he added.

During the drill, which started on November 4 at Ambala, the Indian Army contingent comprising 47 personnel was represented by a regiment from the Corps of Engineers along with personnel from other arms and services. The Vietnamese contingent comprising of similar strength was represented by troops from its army and observers from its air force.