In a historic move that underlines India’s commitment to global unity and regional security, the Indian Navy gifted its fully operational corvette, INS Kirpan, to Vietnam. This gesture marks the first time India has presented such a vessel to a friendly foreign country. The transfer of INS Kirpan symbolizes the deepening bilateral relations between India and Vietnam and signifies India’s vision of fostering cooperation and stability in the region.
INS Kirpan: An Indigenously-Built Missile Corvette
INS Kirpan, an in-service missile corvette, was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in India. Commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 12, 1991, it belongs to the Khukri class of corvettes. With a displacement capacity of nearly 1,400 tonnes and a speed exceeding 25 knots, INS Kirpan is a formidable naval asset. It is equipped with Diesel Engines assembled in India and features a medium-range gun, 30 mm close-range guns, chaff launchers, and surface-to-surface missiles. The ship’s versatile capabilities enable it to perform a wide range of roles, including coastal and offshore patrol, coastal security, surface warfare, anti-piracy, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
India-Vietnam Relations: Strong and Multifaceted
India and Vietnam share deep historical linkages, and their existing relations are anchored in strong cultural and economic ties. In June 2022, the Defense Ministers of both countries signed a ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defense Partnership towards 2030,’ highlighting their commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. In the maritime domain, the navies of India and Vietnam engage extensively through operational interactions, structured dialogues, and information sharing mechanisms. This naval cooperation encompasses various initiatives aimed at capacity building and capability enhancement, such as the supply of spares, ship repairs, deputation of instructors, and regular goodwill visits by naval ships and delegations.
Fostering Global Unity and Regional Security
The transfer of INS Kirpan to Vietnam reflects India’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which translates to “the world is one family.” India’s commitment to global unity is exemplified by its willingness to share advanced naval assets with friendly nations. By presenting INS Kirpan to Vietnam, India not only strengthens bilateral ties but also contributes to regional security and stability. This gesture aligns with India’s ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ initiative, which emphasizes collaboration, maritime security, and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific region.
Enhancing Maritime Cooperation
The naval cooperation between India and Vietnam is characterized by frequent operational interactions, structured dialogues, and information sharing mechanisms. These efforts aim to build mutual trust, strengthen interoperability, and promote a rules-based maritime order. The transfer of INS Kirpan serves as a significant milestone in this partnership, as Vietnam gains access to a capable and versatile corvette, further bolstering its maritime capabilities. The exchange of naval assets and expertise between the two countries contributes to the overall security and stability in the region.