The fifth edition of the Indo-Vietnam Joint Field Training Exercise, known as VINBAX-2024, has successfully concluded its 48-hour joint validation exercise. The event wrapped up on November 20, with a closing ceremony that featured a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) validation exercise, dubbed ‘Ex Raahat’, held at Kaushalya Dam in Haryana.
This important military collaboration saw troops from the Vietnam People’s Army alongside soldiers from the Indian Army participating in extensive training drills. During the closing ceremony, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding of the Kharga Corps, emphasized the significant advancements in India-Vietnam relations, underscoring their transformation into a comprehensive strategic partnership. He described this development as a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship, reinforcing the joint commitment to peace and prosperity.
Lt Gen Pushkar expressed appreciation to the authorities in Vietnam for their efforts in successfully executing VINBAX-2024, which has notably improved mutual understanding and operational interoperability between the two nations. He also pointed out that, as both countries play crucial roles in the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN regions, their bilateral ties are anticipated to grow even stronger in the ensuing years.
In a complementary address, senior Colonel Dr Nguyen Ba Hung, Deputy Director of Peace Keeping Operations at Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence, congratulated both Indian and Vietnamese forces for the successful completion of the exercise. He highlighted the significance of this bilateral training in fortifying the partnership between India and Vietnam, particularly in the area of disaster management and relief efforts.
The exercise exemplified high standards of skill and professionalism, particularly enhancing the forces’ capabilities in medical and engineering operations during HADR missions. Colonel Dr Nguyen also extended his gratitude to the Western Command, the Command Hospital, the Air Force, and Indian civil authorities for their support in accommodating the Vietnamese soldiers throughout their training period in Ambala.
The participation of both Vietnam People’s Army troops and Indian Army soldiers in VINBAX-2024 began on November 4, 2024. The initial phase focused on providing general orientation regarding the dynamics of a United Nations Mission, allowing both contingents to share their expertise and skills in engineering and medical tasks under a UN mandate. The intense training culminated in Ambala on November 19-20.
The Multi-Agency HADR Validation Exercise, ‘Ex Raahat’, conducted at Kaushalya Dam in Pinjore, showcased exceptional coordination between the Indian Armed Forces, para-military forces, and civil administration. This collaborative effort incorporated various advanced equipment for effective joint disaster relief operations, marking a significant step forward in the capacity of both nations to respond to humanitarian crises.
