New Delhi: The fifth edition of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise, VINBAX 2024, started on November 4, 2024, at Ambala, Haryana. This exercise marks a significant expansion in scope with the inclusion of personnel from both the Indian Army and Air Force for the first time. The previous edition of VINBAX took place in Vietnam from December 10 to 21, 2023, highlighting the alternating nature of this annual training event between the two nations.
This year’s edition aims to strengthen the defence cooperation between India and Vietnam. The current edition aims to bolster joint capabilities in deploying engineer and medical teams as part of United Nations peacekeeping operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. This year’s exercise features a total of 47 personnel from both countries’ armies and air forces, focusing on engineering tasks and combat medical support.
EXERCISE VINBAX-24
— PRO, Defence, Guwahati (@prodefgau) November 13, 2024
Strengthening Indo- Vietnam Friendship The fifth edition of Exercise VINBAX -24 is currently underway at Ambala. Troops of IndianArmy and VPA are being trained on employment and deployment of Engineer Company and a medical team in UN Mission. pic.twitter.com/yoGK3wrrsh
The Indian contingent primarily comprises members from the Corps of Engineers and other services, while the Vietnamese People’s Army is similarly represented. The exercise will include various military operations designed to improve interoperability and share best practices.
A highlight will be a 48-hour validation exercise that demonstrates humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, assessing the preparedness of both contingents for UN missions.
VINBAX started in 2018, with its inaugural exercise held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Since then, it has evolved into a key platform for enhancing military cooperation between India and Vietnam.
The VINBAX exercises are not only crucial for military readiness but also serve as a platform for cultural exchange between the troops. This initiative reflects the deepening strategic partnership between India and Vietnam, which was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in 2016.
This year’s VINBAX will conclude on November 23.
