The
fifth edition of the Indo-Vietnam Joint Field Training Exercise, VINBAX-2024,
successfully ended with a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
validation exercise titled "Ex Raahat" at Kaushalya Dam, Pinjore. The
exercise, held from November 4 to 20, 2024, marks an important milestone in the
growing cooperation between India and Vietnam.
The
closing ceremony, presided over by Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer
Commanding (GOC) of Kharga Corps, hailed the deepening relations between the
two nations. Speaking at the event, Lt Gen Pushkar highlighted the elevation of
India-Vietnam ties to a broad strategic alliance, stating that the exercise
supported their shared idea of peace, prosperity, and mutual cooperation. He
thanked Vietnamese leaders for their cooperation and stressed the exercise's
success in improving mutual understanding and interoperability between the two
armed forces.
Senior
Colonel Dr. Nguyen Ba Hung, Deputy Director of Peace Keeping Operations at
Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence, praised the professionalism and
devotion shown by the participating forces. He commended the bilateral exercise
for improving disaster management abilities in medical and engineering fields,
also bolstering the alliance between the two nations. Dr. Nguyen voiced
appreciation to the Indian Armed Forces, civil authorities, and Western Command
for their hospitality during the training sessions in Ambala.
The
exercise, which started on November 4, focused initially on orienting troops to
the dynamics of a United Nations mission. The Orientation Phase culminated with
a table-top exercise, "Ex Blue Helmet," where Indian and Vietnamese
contingents shared expertise in engineering and medical operations under the UN
mandate. The event finished with a two-day joint validation exercise in Ambala
on November 19 and 20.
The
final segment, "Ex Raahat," displayed seamless coordination between
the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, and civil administration during
disaster relief operations. It featured the integration of cutting-edge gear
and strategies for adequate disaster response.
The
VINBAX series is a testament to the strong collaboration between India and
Vietnam, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN regions. Both countries
have reaffirmed their dedication to deepening their strategic alliance through
joint measures in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
The
successful conclusion of VINBAX-2024 highlights the growing synergy between the
Indian and Vietnamese armed forces and establishes a strong precedent for
future combined initiatives. (PR)