Indian Naval Ships Udaygiri and Kavaratti have docked in Ho Chi Minh City for a port call aimed at enhancing professional exchanges and bolstering maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam. The visit, led by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, YSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, underscores the significance of maritime collaboration in the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Maritime cooperation stands as a cornerstone of the strong relationship between India and Vietnam, as highlighted by the Indian Embassy in Hanoi. The delegation, comprising 610 officers and sailors, received a warm welcome from various representatives, including those from Vietnam’s military, diplomatic agencies, and Ho Chi Minh City authorities.
During a recent meeting between the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and Vietnam President To Lam, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to defense and security cooperation as a key element of the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The effective implementation of the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030 has been instrumental in guiding the deepening defense ties between the two nations.
India and Vietnam have emphasized the maritime domain as a crucial aspect of their cooperation, with a particular focus on enhancing maritime collaboration. The bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue has played a vital role in fostering mutual trust and understanding of each other’s concerns, with both sides recognizing the importance of regular convening of such dialogues.
Vietnam expressed gratitude to India for inviting an International Liaison Officer to the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram, India, to strengthen cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Vietnam’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and expressed eagerness for enhanced cooperation within that framework.
