The Indian Armed Forces have recently arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam for their participation in the fourth iteration of the Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023. Exercise VINBAX, a crucial annual training event, was first launched in 2018 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh and has since been conducted alternatively in India and Vietnam. The main objective of this exercise is to fuel partnership, improve interoperability and share superior practices between both countries under the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations.
A Brief History of Exercise VINBAX
Exercise VINBAX found its roots in 2018, with its inaugural event taking place in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Its inception marked a significant milestone in military cooperation between the armed forces of India and Vietnam. This joint venture aims to strengthen and enhance mutual capabilities and cooperation in the fields of defense and security. From its beginning, this joint military exercise has alternated between being hosted by India and Vietnam annually.
The Purpose of Exercise VINBAX
The primary aim of this endeavor is to encourage a collaborative partnership and to promote interoperability between the military forces of both nations. Exercise VINBAX is a valuable platform for sharing best practices between the two sides, under the guidelines of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. It is an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, exchange knowledge, and deepen mutual understanding and trust.
Nature of Exercise VINBAX-2023
The forthcoming VINBAX-2023 will function as a Command Post Exercise combined with a Field Training Exercise focused on the employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team. These exercises are meticulously planned and executed to ensure a robust understanding and practice of specific roles and duties within a Peacekeeping Operations environment.
Key Focus Area of the Exercise
The Exercise will primarily concentrate on exchanging ideas on modern methods for constructing roads, bridges, helipads, ammunition shelters, and observation posts in operational areas. This aspect is fundamental for mission accomplishment in any military operation and as such, forms an important part of the training event.
Expected Outcomes of VINBAX-2023
This annual exercise, now in its fourth iteration, continues to strive towards enhancing cooperative efforts between the two nations and bolstering their collective abilities to maintain peace and security. The key outcomes expected from this joint exercise include deepened mutual understanding, improved interoperability, and sharing of best practices. Ultimately, Exercise VINBAX aims to contribute to the broader objective of global peace and stability.
Trainings like VINBAX are immensely crucial in today’s volatile world where international cooperation is required for maintaining peace. Given the significance of this exercise, it becomes indispensable to closely monitor and learn from such events for better understanding of defense strategies and methodologies, not only at bilateral level but also in terms of international defense cooperation.
