Chandigarh: The fifth edition of the historic Indo-Vietnam Joint Field Training Exercise, VINBAX-2024, successfully concluded its 48-hour joint validation exercise. The closing ceremony of this milestone event was held alongside a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Validation Exercise, ‘Ex Raahat,’ at Kaushalya Dam on November 29.
Formal declaration of Closing of Indo- Vietnam Joint Exercise was marked by hammering the Bell from both the countries.
In his closing speech, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, GOC Kharga Corps, highlighted the significant elevation of India-Vietnam bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This milestone marks a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations. The Indo-Vietnam bilateral exercise has further solidified their joint vision for peace, prosperity, and people-centric collaboration. Lt Gen Pushkar expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese authorities for the successful conduct of VINBAX-2024, which has effectively strengthened mutual understanding and enhanced interoperability between the two nations.
As India and Vietnam continue to play important roles in the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN regions, their bilateral relationship is expected to deepen and broaden in the coming years, he added.
On the occasion, Senior Colonel Dr Nguyen Ba Hung, Deputy Director of Peacekeeping Operations, Ministry of National Defence, Vietnam, congratulated both Indian and Vietnamese forces on the successful completion of their bilateral exercise. This exercise marks a significant milestone in strengthening the relationship between India and Vietnam, demonstrating their commitment to cooperation in disaster management and relief efforts. The exercise showcased high standards of skill and professionalism, enhancing the capabilities of the forces in medical and engineering areas for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, he added. He also expressed his gratitude to the Western Command, Command Hospital, Air Force, and other Indian civil authorities for facilitating the Vietnamese soldiers during their training period in Ambala.
Troops from the Vietnam People’s Army and the Indian Army participated in “VINBAX-2024”, starting on November 4, 2024.
Initially, the training focused on providing general orientation regarding the dynamics of a United Nations mission. The orientation phase culminated in a Table Top Exercise, “Ex Blue Helmet.” Both contingents shared their expertise and skills in engineering and medical tasks under a United Nations mandate. The exercise VINBAX concluded on November 19–20 in Ambala.
The Multi-Agency HADR Validation Exercise, ‘Ex Raahat,’ was carried out at Kaushalya Dam, Pinjore. The exercise showcased seamless coordination between the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, and the civil administration in undertaking joint disaster relief operations, incorporating various next-generation equipment.
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