Indian Navy Ships Dock in Vietnam to Boost Bilateral Maritime Cooperation

In a powerful display of maritime diplomacy and strategic outreach, three warships of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet—INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan—arrived at Tien Sa Port, Da Nang, Vietnam, on 24 July 2025, as part of India’s ongoing Operational Deployment to Southeast Asia. The visit marks a significant chapter in the expanding India–Vietnam defence partnership, particularly in the realm of naval cooperation.

The deployment is being spearheaded under the leadership of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), who is overseeing the multi-dimensional engagement in the strategic waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

Ceremonial Welcome Reflects Growing Strategic Ties

The arrival of the Indian warships was greeted with a warm ceremonial reception by the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) and the People’s Committee of Da Nang. Naval bands played both national anthems, and cultural performances were arranged in honour of the visiting Indian delegation.

This gesture of camaraderie reflects the strengthening defence and diplomatic ties between India and Vietnam—two nations with shared concerns and converging interests in ensuring maritime security, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based international order.

High-Level Defence Engagements on Agenda

During the port call, RAdm Susheel Menon will conduct bilateral meetings with:

• Senior leadership of Military Region 5, Vietnam People’s Army

• Officials of the Da Nang People’s Committee

• Commanders of Naval Region 3, Vietnam People’s Navy

These discussions will focus on enhancing interoperability, sharing perspectives on regional security challenges, and strengthening institutional linkages between the two navies. They are also expected to touch upon capacity building, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief (HADR) mechanisms, and joint naval exercises.

Seamless Professional and Cultural Interactions

The four-day visit includes a comprehensive set of engagements aimed at deepening mutual trust between naval personnel:

• Operational briefings and planning discussions aboard the Indian and Vietnamese ships

• Professional exchanges on ship handling, maritime domain awareness, and logistics support

• Cross-deck visits and joint training modules

• Sports fixtures such as friendly football and volleyball matches

• Ship tours for Vietnamese dignitaries and citizens, showcasing India's naval prowess

In parallel, the Indian Navy personnel will engage in community outreach efforts, visiting local schools and welfare centres, symbolising the Navy’s ethos of sagar maitri (maritime friendship).

‘MAHASAGAR’ Vision and Indo-Pacific Strategy

This deployment is a part of India’s larger maritime strategy, particularly its vision of ‘MAHASAGAR’—a doctrine that promotes Maritime Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance, and Security Cooperation for the Asian Global Archipelagic Region. The doctrine supports:

• Collaborative maritime partnerships

• Capacity building in friendly foreign countries

• Regional maritime order rooted in inclusivity and international law

India’s consistent deployments in Southeast Asia serve the dual purpose of safeguarding its strategic interests and strengthening cooperative security frameworks in the Indo-Pacific.

Strengthening India–Vietnam Strategic Partnership

Vietnam holds a special place in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific outreach, being a Comprehensive Strategic Partner since 2016. Both countries share robust defence relations, with regular ship visits, high-level exchanges, and defence industry collaboration.

In recent years, India has also extended Lines of Credit for defence infrastructure in Vietnam and provided training to Vietnamese sailors and submariners. This naval deployment further consolidates these ties and signals India’s commitment to regional peace and stability.

Looking Ahead

As the warships INS Delhi (a guided-missile destroyer), INS Shakti (a fleet replenishment tanker), and INS Kiltan (an anti-submarine corvette) continue their deployment, their presence in Da Nang serves as a beacon of trust and cooperation. It reiterates India’s role as a net security provider and a preferred partner in Southeast Asia.

With increasing regional uncertainties and a rapidly evolving maritime domain, such bilateral engagements become indispensable for maintaining peace, order, and shared prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.