Indian Navy Wraps Up Vietnam Visit, Reinforcing Act East Policy
Eastern Fleet warships engage in bilateral naval interactions and professional exchanges with the Vietnam People's Navy
The Indian Navy has concluded a successful port call at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, reinforcing the growing maritime partnership between India and Vietnam under New Delhi's Act East Policy and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
As part of its operational deployment to Southeast Asia, the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet ships INS Udaygiri, a stealth guided-missile frigate, and INS Kavaratti, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, visited Nha Rong Port in Ho Chi Minh City. The deployment was led by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
The visiting warships received a warm welcome from personnel of the Vietnam People's Navy, representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, and local port authorities, reflecting the close defence and diplomatic ties shared by the two countries.
During the visit, Rear Admiral Ananda held discussions with senior officials of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and the Vietnam People's Navy, exchanging views on maritime cooperation, professional collaboration, and regional maritime security. The interactions highlighted the expanding defence partnership between India and Vietnam and their shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific.
A series of professional exchanges and bilateral naval activities were also conducted between personnel of the Indian Navy and the Vietnam People's Navy. These engagements enabled both sides to share operational experiences, enhance interoperability, and strengthen mutual understanding while reaffirming their commitment to maritime security and safe navigation.
The port call also featured diplomatic engagements, with the Ambassador of India to Vietnam hosting representatives of the Vietnam People's Navy, members of the diplomatic community, and other distinguished guests onboard INS Udaygiri. The event showcased India's growing naval presence and its commitment to fostering defence diplomacy across Southeast Asia.
As a mark of respect for Vietnam's national heritage, Rear Admiral Ananda, accompanied by the commanding officers of INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti, laid a wreath at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh, paying tribute to the visionary leader's enduring legacy.
India and Vietnam share an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership built on mutual trust, converging strategic interests, and robust people-to-people ties. Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of this relationship, encompassing naval engagements, military training, capacity building, and defence industrial collaboration.
The successful conclusion of the port visit reaffirms India's commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with friendly nations in the Indo-Pacific. It also underscores the Indian Navy's expanding role as a key instrument of India's Act East Policy and its vision of promoting security, stability, and collaborative growth across the region through MAHASAGAR.
