India-Vietnam joint military exercise 'VINBAX-2023' commences

A contingent of 45 personnel from the Indian Armed Forces has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to participate in the fourth edition of the Joint Military Exercise VINEBOX-2023. Scheduled from December 11 to December 21, 2023, this collaborative training initiative aims to strengthen strategic ties and enhance interoperability between the armed forces of India and Vietnam.

The Indian contingent, led by 39 personnel from the Engineer Regiment of Bengal Engineer Group and supported by six individuals from the Army Medical Corps, joins forces with a 45-member delegation from the Vietnam People's Army. VINBAX, established in 2018, initiated its first edition in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and has alternated between India and Vietnam annually. The previous iteration took place at Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.

According to the Defence Ministry, with the overarching objective of fostering collaborative partnerships, promoting ‘interoperability,’ and sharing ‘best practices,’ this exercise operates under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.

VINBAX-2023 adopts a dual format, encompassing a Command Post Exercise and a Field Training Exercise, specifically focusing on the deployment and utilisation of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team. The MoD release further highlighted the exercise's emphasis on exchanging ideas and rehearsing tactics, techniques, and procedures collaboratively. It includes modern methodologies for constructing essential infrastructure like roads, culverts, helipads, ammunition shelters, and observation posts in operational areas. Moreover, combat engineering and combat medical tasks will be rigorously rehearsed through drills.

According to the MoD, the Exercise will culminate with a Validation Exercise, where both contingents will showcase their respective skills and capabilities attained during their joint operations. This includes technical military operations aligned with scenarios reflective of the global deployment of United Nations contingents.

Expressing the significance of this joint exercise, the Defence Ministry underscored its role in enhancing understanding, fostering interoperability, and further strengthening defence cooperation between the amicable armies of India and Vietnam. The exercise serves as a testament to the commitment of both nations towards mutual collaboration and shared security interests in the region. It aligns with India’s ‘Look East Policy,’ which aims to develop political, economic, and security cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia.