The Vietnam-India Army Exercise titled 'VINBAX 2022' which focused on Humanitarian Assistance in Disaster Relief (HADR) – a role the two could play together as UN peacekeepers – concluded at Chandimandir today.  

The exercise, which began on August 1, was focused on the deployment of Army Engineer and Medical teams in the UN Peacekeeping operations. What made the exercise unique was the fact that it was the first time ever that the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) was undertaking a Field Training Exercise with any foreign Army. That Vietnam chose India for it speaks volumes about the value the two countries place on their mutual relationship. 

Over a period of three weeks, the soldiers of the two Armies rubbed shoulders with each other learning from each other and sharing best practices. Vietnam has deployed a contingent in UN peacekeeping operations for the first time in South Sudan while India has a long and rich tradition of contributing to the UN peacekeeping operations.

The contingents from the two countries underwent theory classes followed by practical exercises to validate the learning. The final validation exercise nicknamed ‘Men in Blue’ was built around the setting up of a base in a remote African location faced with myriad challenges.

The closing ceremony was attended by Pham Sanh Chau, the Ambassador of Vietnam to India, and a high-level observer delegation of VPA who had flown down, especially for the purpose.

On the Indian side, Lt. Gen. Nav Kumar Khanduri, GOC-in-C of the Western Command, presided over the event which was hosted by Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma, GOC Kharga Corps.

The next edition of VINBAX will be hosted in Vietnam in 2023.

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