IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

VINBAX-23

14th December, 2023 Security

VINBAX-23

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Context

  • The Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023, in its fourth edition, involves the participation of the Indian Armed Forces contingent along with the Vietnam People’s Army contingent.
  • The exercise is taking place in Hanoi, Vietnam from 11th to 21st December 2023.

Details

  • History of VINBAX: The VINBAX exercise was initiated in 2018, with the first edition conducted in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It is an annual training event conducted alternately in India and Vietnam. The previous edition took place at Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.
  • Objectives: The primary aim of this joint exercise is to bolster collaborative partnerships, enhance inter-operability, and share best practices between the Indian and Vietnamese armed forces, particularly focusing on Peace Keeping Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
  • Nature of Exercises: VINBAX-2023 is planned as a Command Post Exercise combined with a Field Training Exercise, concentrating on the deployment and utilization of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team.
  • Training Focus: The exercise will involve the exchange of tactical strategies, modern construction techniques for roads, culverts, helipads, and military structures. Moreover, there will be rehearsals related to combat engineering and combat medical tasks.
  • Validation Exercise: The exercise will conclude with a Validation Exercise where the achieved standards and skills by both contingents will be demonstrated, simulating scenarios similar to deployments in United Nations’ missions globally.

Expected Outcomes

  • Enhanced understanding and interoperability between the Indian and Vietnamese contingents.
  • Strengthening of defense cooperation and mutual learning through the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures.
  • Improvement in joint capabilities for United Nations’ peacekeeping operations and military contingents' worldwide deployment.

Conclusion

Overall, the VINBAX-2023 exercise aims to foster deeper cooperation and understanding between the armed forces of India and Vietnam, thereby reinforcing their military capabilities and collaboration in the interest of peacekeeping and defense initiatives.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Assess the strategic significance of Vietnam in India's foreign policy objectives and regional security dynamics. Analyze their implications on India's Act East Policy and broader regional alliances. (250 Words)