DA NANG, Vietnam – A task group of three Indian Navy warships, led by the guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi, arrived at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang on Friday for a goodwill visit aimed at strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and defense cooperation between the two nations.
The visiting flotilla, part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet, also includes the indigenously-built anti-submarine corvette, INS Kiltan, and the fleet replenishment tanker, INS Shakti. The ships and their crews received a warm formal welcome from senior officers and representatives of the Vietnam People's Navy upon their arrival.
This port call is a significant demonstration of India's "Act East" policy and its commitment to deepening engagement with key partners in the Indo-Pacific. Vietnam and India share a robust defense relationship, underpinned by a mutual interest in maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region, particularly in the context of the complex maritime environment of the South China Sea.
In a statement, the Indian Navy emphasized that the visit is intended to enhance maritime cooperation and share best practices. During their stay in Da Nang, the Indian naval personnel will engage in a series of activities with their Vietnamese counterparts. The agenda includes professional exchanges on maritime operations, courtesy calls between senior officers, and various sporting and cultural events designed to foster greater interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.
The visit reinforces the growing momentum in bilateral defense cooperation, which includes regular high-level dialogues, military training, and defense technology collaboration. It is anticipated that the Indian warships may conduct a joint passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Vietnam People's Navy upon their departure, further enhancing their operational coordination at sea and reaffirming their shared commitment to a rules-based international order.
