Visakhapatnam: In a demonstration of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indian Navy’s increasing footprint and operational reach, Indian Naval Ships Satpura and Kirch under the Command of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral S.V. Bhokare, have arrived at Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam on a four day visit, as part of deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea and Western Pacific on Monday.
Another two Indian Navy ships Sahyadri and Shakti have arrived at Subic Bay in Philippines on a three day visit. During the visit, the Indian Navy ships will have professional interaction with the Vietnam People’s Navy towards further enhancing co-operation between the two forces.
In addition, calls on senior government and military authorities, sporting and cultural interactions and sharing of best practices, aimed at strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two Navies, are also planned.
The visiting ships are also likely to conduct exercises with the Vietnam People’s Navy, aimed at enhancing interoperability in communication as well as Search and Rescue procedures, post departure from Cam Ranh Bay.
INS Satpura is commanded by Captain A.N. Pramod and INS Kirch is commanded by Commander Sharad Sinsunwal. INS Sahyadri is commanded by Captain K.S. Rajkumar and INS Shakti is commanded by Captain Gagan Kaushal.
Bilateral relations between India and Vietnam are characterised by strong bonds of friendship based on cultural, religious and economic ties dating back to 2nd Century AD. The influence of Indian civilisation speaks of the deep rooted historical linkages between the nations.
The Indian Navy has had extensive interactions with Vietnam People’s Navy, particularly in the field of training, repairs, maintenance and logistics support aimed at capacity building.
Reciprocal port visits, high-level delegations and training exchanges have bolstered naval cooperation between the two countries. The last visit by an Indian Navy ship to Vietnam was in October 2015, when Sahyadri berthed at Da Nang.
