A contingent of 45 personnel from the Indian Armed Forces has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to participate in the fourth edition of the Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023. The exercise is scheduled to take place from the 11th to the 21st of December 2023.
Comprising 39 personnel from an Engineer Regiment of the Bengal Engineer Group and six personnel from the Army Medical Corps, the Indian contingent aims to contribute expertise in engineering and medical operations. On the other side, the Vietnam People’s Army contingent will also be represented by an equal number of personnel.
The VINBAX exercise, initiated in 2018, is an annual training event that alternates between India and Vietnam. The first edition took place in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and the most recent edition occurred at Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.
The primary objective of VINBAX-2023 is to enhance collaborative partnerships, promote interoperability, and share best practices between the Indian and Vietnamese armed forces. The exercise falls under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, specifically focusing on Peacekeeping Operations.
Designed as a Command Post Exercise cum Field Training Exercise, VINBAX-2023 will concentrate on the deployment and employment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team. The joint exercise will facilitate the exchange of ideas and the joint rehearsal of tactics, techniques, and procedures related to combat engineering and combat medical tasks.
The participating contingents will share modern methods for constructing essential military infrastructure such as roads, culverts, helipads, ammunition shelters, and observation posts in operational areas. A Validation Exercise will mark the culmination of the training, showcasing the standards attained by both contingents. This exercise will involve technical military operations aligned with scenarios resembling the worldwide deployment of United Nations’ contingents.
The collaborative effort is expected to strengthen defense cooperation between the two friendly nations, promoting understanding and interoperability among the armed forces. The exercise not only demonstrates the commitment to international peace and security but also signifies the dedication of both nations to the ideals of the United Nations. The joint military exercise will undoubtedly contribute to the shared goal of maintaining global peace and security.