India Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX 2025 begins in Hanoi, enhancing defence cooperation, interoperability, and UN peacekeeping readiness. Learn key objectives and strategic significance.
6th India‑Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX Begins in Hanoi
The 6th edition of the India–Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX has commenced in Hanoi, Vietnam, marking a significant step forward in bilateral defence cooperation. The opening ceremony was graced by India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Vietnam’s Deputy Chief of General Staff, Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, highlighting the importance each country places on this strategic partnership.
Aims and Focus of the Exercise
Exercise VINBAX is structured to deepen the military ties between India and Vietnam. Its key aims include:
- Enhancing inter-operability between the two armies during joint operations.
- Sharing best practices in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO).
- Strengthening overall defence cooperation and trust at a strategic level.
Structure and Nature of the Training
This edition involves a mix of activities, likely including both field training exercises and command-post exercises, to simulate realistic scenarios. According to past VINBAX editions, the training emphasizes the role of engineering units as well as medical teams, especially in UN peacekeeping contexts.
During rehearsals, troops from both sides will exchange ideas on constructing field infrastructure — such as roads, helipads, ammunition shelters, and observation posts. They will also practice combat engineering tasks and combat medical drills.
At the culmination, there will be a validation exercise that demonstrates the standards they have achieved. This exercise will mimic real-world UN deployment scenarios, putting both armies through technical military operations under conditions similar to global peacekeeping missions.
Strategic Significance
- The exercise reaffirms India’s engagement with Southeast Asia, stabilizing its presence in a critical region.
- It enhances both countries’ joint capability in peacekeeping missions, underlining their collective commitment to international security.
- VINBAX also acts as a defence diplomacy tool, showcasing India’s readiness to collaborate and build trust with regional partners.
Why This News Is Important
For Defence Aspirants & Civil Service Candidates
This exercise is crucial from a defence and strategic studies perspective. It reflects India’s deepening military diplomacy with Vietnam, a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Such developments are often asked about in exams for defence services, civil services (especially GS papers on international relations), and police/paramilitary roles concerned with national security.
In Terms of International Relations
VINBAX underscores India’s Act East Policy, showing how New Delhi is strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations. This is significant in geopolitics, especially considering regional security dynamics, such as navigation rights in the South China Sea. The exercise indicates alignment on global peacekeeping efforts, which is relevant for students studying global governance, international law, or UN operations.
Strategic Messaging to Competitors
Through VINBAX, India also sends a message to other regional powers: it is willing to deepen military cooperation and share advanced peacekeeping capabilities. This helps India project power and build influence in a region increasingly shaped by great power competition — a key topic in civil service and defence exam syllabi.
Historical Context: Background of VINBAX
- Origin: The VINBAX exercise was first instituted in 2018, with its inaugural edition held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Annual Rotation: It is conducted alternately in India and Vietnam, making it a regular and structured platform for defence cooperation.
- Past Focus Areas: Earlier editions have emphasized the deployment of engineer companies and medical teams, particularly in UN peacekeeping settings
- Notable Edition (2022): The 2022 exercise at Chandimandir was especially significant — it featured a multi‑agency Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) demonstration.That edition was also notable because it was the first time the Vietnam People’s Army conducted a field training exercise with a foreign army.
- Link to UN Operations: VINBAX is explicitly aligned with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, meaning it is designed around peacekeeping operations.
- Diplomatic Significance: India and Vietnam’s defence relationship is part of a broader comprehensive strategic partnership, and VINBAX serves as one of the pillars of that engagement.
Key Takeaways from This News
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The 6th edition of Exercise VINBAX is underway in Hanoi, Vietnam. |
| 2 | The exercise aims at boosting interoperability and sharing UN peacekeeping best practices. |
| 3 | High-level dignitaries – India’s Defence Secretary and Vietnam’s Deputy Chief of General Staff – led the opening, underscoring strategic importance. |
| 4 | Training includes engineering and medical units, focusing on infrastructure — roads, helipads, observation posts — and combat-medical tasks. |
| 5 | A joint validation exercise will simulate real-world UN deployment scenarios, highlighting both armies’ readiness. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Exercise VINBAX?
A1. Exercise VINBAX is a bilateral army exercise between India and Vietnam, aimed at enhancing defence cooperation, sharing best practices in UN Peacekeeping Operations, and strengthening interoperability between the two armies.
Q2. When and where is the 6th VINBAX being held?
A2. The 6th edition of Exercise VINBAX is being conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Q3. Who are the key officials attending the opening of VINBAX 2025?
A3. The opening ceremony was attended by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Chief of General Staff Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan.
Q4. What is the focus of the training during VINBAX?
A4. The training focuses on engineering and medical tasks, construction of field infrastructure, combat operations, and simulated UN peacekeeping missions.
Q5. Why is VINBAX significant for India’s foreign policy?
A5. VINBAX strengthens India’s Act East Policy, deepens strategic ties with Vietnam, enhances regional security cooperation, and showcases India’s role in international peacekeeping.
Q6. How often is VINBAX conducted?
A6. VINBAX is conducted annually, alternating between India and Vietnam.
Q7. What was a notable feature of previous VINBAX editions?
A7. Earlier editions emphasized Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises and joint deployment of engineer and medical units in field operations.
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