As a testament to the deepening defense cooperation between India and Vietnam, India has gifted the indigenously built in-service missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam. This act strengthens India’s role as Vietnam’s ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region.
About INS Kirpan
INS Kirpan, a Khukri class missile corvette, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 12, 1991. It is equipped with Diesel Engines assembled in India under license by the Kirloskar Group, with 65% of the ship composed of indigenous parts. INS Kirpan is capable of reaching speeds greater than 25 knots. The ship’s versatility is highlighted by its roles in coastal and offshore patrol, surface warfare, coastal security, anti-piracy, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Evolution of Cooperation Between India and Vietnam
India had established the Consul General’s office in Hanoi as early as 1956 and stood by Vietnam in opposing US intervention at the cost of embittering Indo-US relations. The ties were strengthened in 1992 when both nations established extensive economic relations in areas such as oil exploration, agriculture, and manufacturing. In 2007, the relationship was elevated to ‘Strategic Partnership’ and later to “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in 2016.
Economic Cooperation
Trade and investment have significantly improved between the two countries. In the financial year 2021-2022, bilateral trade witnessed a growth of 27% and reached USD 14.14 billion, making India one of Vietnam’s top trading partners. India provides several training programs and scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) contributing to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.
Political Backing
India and Vietnam have consistently supported each other in international forums and organizations. Particularly, Vietnam has backed India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Defense Cooperation
India extended a Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 100 million in 2014 to Vietnam for procuring high-speed patrol boats. Two years later, an additional USD 500 million defense LoC was extended. On the maritime front, both countries support freedom of navigation and lawful commerce in national waters, especially as per UNCLOS.
Details About Vietnam
Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is bordered by China, Laos, Cambodia and the South China Sea. Its capital is Hanoi and the major rivers are the Mekong and the Red which end at the South China Sea. The country declared its independence from French colonial rule on September 2, 1945. Some significant historical events include the Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
This section explores two examples of past UPSC Civil Services Examination questions related to topics discussed in this article. The first addresses the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation initiative and the second examines the correct matching of rivers with their respective seas or oceans they flow into.