India-Vietnam Joint Military Exercise VINBAX 2024 (GS Paper 3, Defence)
In the News
- The 5th edition of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise, VINBAX 2024, began on November 4, 2024, in Ambala, Haryana, marking another significant chapter in the deepening defense ties between India and Vietnam.
- The exercise is scheduled to continue until November 23, 2024, with activities planned at Ambala and Chandimandir, both in India.
- The goal of the exercise is to enhance the interoperability and military cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
Exercise Overview: Strengthening India-Vietnam Defense Ties
- VINBAX 2024 is part of an ongoing series of annual bilateral military exercises designed to foster deeper defense cooperation between India and Vietnam.
- The exercise focuses on enhancing joint military capabilities by training personnel from both armies in key operational areas such as peacekeeping operations and humanitarian relief.
- This year’s exercise is especially significant as it includes the first-ever bi-service participation—involving personnel from both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, and the corresponding branches of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA).
- The primary objective of VINBAX 2024 is to improve interoperability between the two armed forces, ensuring that they can work effectively together in multilateral peacekeeping missions under the framework of the United Nations.
- The exercise also provides an opportunity for the two countries to learn from each other, share best practices, and engage in joint training in critical operational areas.
Key Components of VINBAX 2024
Bilateral Military Cooperation and Field Training
VINBAX 2024 is designed as a field training exercise (FTX), expanding on the scope of previous editions. The exercise will simulate real-world military scenarios, particularly focused on peacekeeping operations. These operations are in line with the mandates of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which includes peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief efforts. The training will cover essential tasks such as:
- Deployment of engineer units to construct roads, culverts, helipads, and other critical infrastructure in conflict zones.
- Providing medical support in conflict-affected areas, including setting up field hospitals and managing trauma care.
- Conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as earthquakes or floods.
The focus on these areas ensures that both the Indian and Vietnamese armed forces are equipped to operate together in complex, multinational environments, such as UN peacekeeping missions, where coordination and mutual understanding are key.
Bi-Service Participation
- For the first time, VINBAX 2024 includes both Army and Air Force personnel from both nations.
- This reflects a growing recognition of the need for joint operations involving multiple military services.
- By involving the Indian Air Force and Vietnam People's Air Force in the exercise, the training will incorporate air support for ground operations, enabling greater coordination and effectiveness in peacekeeping missions, particularly those that require airlifting medical supplies, personnel, and critical equipment.
Contingent Composition
- Indian Army: The Indian contingent consists of 47 personnel from the Corps of Engineers Regiment, with additional personnel from various other arms and services, including medical and logistical units.
- Vietnam People’s Army: The Vietnamese contingent will mirror the Indian contingent in terms of size and composition, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to the exercise.
These contingents will work together throughout the training, building camaraderie and understanding across different service branches and national lines.
Validation Exercise and Technical Display
- A key component of the exercise will be the 48-hour validation exercise, which will involve simulated UN peacekeeping scenarios.
- This exercise will test the combined abilities of both armies in carrying out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations under operational stress.
- Both armies will demonstrate their capabilities in setting up field hospitals, providing medical care, constructing emergency infrastructure, and assisting with the logistics of delivering relief supplies.
- An equipment display will accompany the validation phase, where both armies will showcase their technical standards and the use of advanced military equipment necessary for peacekeeping operations.
- This segment will emphasize the importance of technical collaboration and the exchange of ideas on military equipment and operations.
Cultural Exchange
- Beyond military training, VINBAX 2024 also provides a platform for cultural exchange between the personnel of the two nations.
- This aspect of the exercise is aimed at fostering mutual understanding and friendship, helping to build stronger people-to-people ties.
- The cultural programs allow the soldiers to learn about each other's history, traditions, and values, which can enhance cooperation and trust during joint military operations.
Significance of VINBAX 2024 for India-Vietnam Relations
The VINBAX series is an important part of the growing defense relationship between India and Vietnam. This annual exercise is designed to achieve several objectives:
- Enhanced Military Interoperability: By focusing on joint military operations, particularly in peacekeeping and HADR contexts, VINBAX helps both countries enhance their ability to work together in complex, multinational environments. Interoperability is critical for joint operations under the United Nations or any regional peacekeeping missions.
- Mutual Sharing of Best Practices: The exercise serves as a forum for knowledge exchange. Both India and Vietnam have extensive experience in peacekeeping operations, and the opportunity to share lessons learned from these operations strengthens their respective military capabilities.
- Strengthening Bilateral Defense Ties: As part of the Indo-Pacific security architecture, Vietnam and India have strategic defense and economic interests in the region. Exercises like VINBAX demonstrate a shared commitment to regional peace and stability. As China’s influence in the region grows, both nations recognize the importance of defense collaboration to ensure a rules-based international order.
- Supporting UN Peacekeeping Missions: By focusing on UN peacekeeping operations, VINBAX contributes to global peace efforts. India has long been a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, and strengthening ties with Vietnam—another active peacekeeping contributor—further enhances their combined ability to participate in and lead peacekeeping operations around the world.
Background of VINBAX
- The VINBAX series was initiated in 2018 to deepen bilateral military cooperation between India and Vietnam.
- The first exercise was held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and subsequent editions have alternated between India and Vietnam.
- The series aims to promote interoperability, enhance peacekeeping capabilities, and support both countries’ shared objectives in regional security.
Conclusion
- VINBAX 2024 represents a milestone in the defense ties between India and Vietnam, highlighting their commitment to enhancing military cooperation and contributing to global peacekeeping efforts.
- By expanding the scope of the exercise to include both Army and Air Force personnel, and by focusing on real-world humanitarian and peacekeeping scenarios, this edition underscores the growing importance of bilateral defense relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.
- With both nations facing common security challenges in the region, including those posed by China's assertiveness, the success of VINBAX 2024 will set the stage for even greater collaboration in the future.
- This exercise not only strengthens the military capabilities of both countries but also deepens their diplomatic and cultural ties, supporting broader goals of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
