India and Vietnam have expanded the scope of their annual bilateral training exercise, VINBAX-2024, the fifth edition of which concluded at Chandimandir Military Station in Panchkula on Friday. Senior Colonel Dr Nguyen Ba Hung, Deputy Director of Peace Keeping Operations, Ministry of National Defence, Vietnam, said that the employment 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 this drill.
This bilateral exercise marks a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between India and Vietnam, demonstrating their commitment to cooperation in disaster management and relief efforts, he added.
Stating that India-Vietnam bilateral relations have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership in which defence cooperation is an important pillar, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding Kharga Corps, said the successful conduct of VINBAX-2024 has effectively strengthened mutual understanding and enhanced inter-operability between the two nations.
“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 in 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 of similar strength was represented by the troops of the Vietnam People’s Army and observers from its Air Force.
The aim of VINBAX-2024 is to enhance joint military capability of both sides in employment and deployment of a company and medical teams to undertake engineering tasks as part of a United Nations contingent in peacekeeping operations as laid out in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The validation phase of VINBAX was conducted on November 19 and 20, during which the contingents showcased their ability to construct force protection assets and perform other UN-mandated tasks including rehabilitation and restoration activities by deploying engineering, medical and search and rescue teams. For the first time, helicopters from the Indian Air Force and Army Aviation Corps were used in VINBAX.
A multi-agency humanitarian assistance and disaster relief validation drill, ‘Exercise Raahat’ was also carried out at Kaushalya Dam near Panchkula on November 22. Involving elements of the Army, Air Force, national and state disaster relief forces, fire service, police and civil administration, it showcased the seamless coordination in undertaking joint disaster relief operations by incorporating new generation equipment.
