New Delhi, July 2: The Indian Navy has deployed INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti to Vietnamese waters as part of a maritime cooperation mission aimed at strengthening defence ties, enhancing naval interoperability, and promoting a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. The deployment underscores India’s continued commitment to regional maritime security and its growing strategic partnership with Vietnam.
The visit forms part of the Indian Navy’s operational deployments in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and its emphasis on closer cooperation with friendly maritime nations.
Strengthening India–Vietnam Defence Relations
During the deployment, the Indian warships will participate in professional exchanges, joint naval activities, cross-deck visits, and interactions with the Vietnam People’s Navy.
The engagements are expected to enhance mutual understanding, improve interoperability between the two navies, and strengthen long-standing defence cooperation between India and Vietnam.
Promoting Maritime Security
The mission highlights India’s commitment to ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Naval cooperation between the two countries focuses on maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), search and rescue operations, and safe navigation.
Officials stated that such deployments contribute to regional peace, stability, and collective maritime security.
Operational Readiness and Naval Diplomacy
INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti will also undertake operational exercises and goodwill activities during the deployment, showcasing the Indian Navy’s professionalism and strengthening defence diplomacy.
Port visits and interactions with local authorities are expected to further deepen bilateral relations and encourage greater cooperation in maritime affairs.
India’s SAGAR Vision
The deployment aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, which promotes collaborative approaches to maritime security, sustainable development, and regional prosperity.
India has consistently expanded naval engagements with countries across Southeast Asia through joint exercises, training programmes, and high-level defence exchanges.
Reinforcing Indo-Pacific Partnerships
Defence experts believe the deployment reflects the increasing importance of India–Vietnam strategic cooperation in maintaining peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
As both countries continue to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership, regular naval deployments and military exchanges are expected to play a key role in enhancing regional cooperation.
Source: Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence
Original Report:
https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/
https://mod.gov.in/
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