Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Deputy Head of the Inter-sectoral Working Group, and Deputy Head of the Ministry of National Defense’s Steering Committee for Vietnam's Participation in U.N. Peacekeeping Operations, presided over the ceremony.
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Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan addresses the event. |
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The exercise is jointly organized by Vietnamese and Indian defense ministries. |
In his opening remarks, Gen. Tan reaffirmed the long-standing, trusted friendship between Vietnam and India and the constant consolidation of the bilateral defense ties. Since the signing of the MoU on U.N. Peacekeeping Cooperation in 2016, both sides have carried out many joint activities. The annual VINBAX stands as a vivid symbol of the deepening and practical defense cooperation between the two countries with India being the only international partner to conduct regular field peacekeeping exercises with Vietnam.
Following the success of VINBAX 2024 in India, VINBAX 2025 marks the fourth field U.N. peacekeeping exercise between the two militaries, contributing to strengthening friendship, solidarity, and defense ties within the Vietnam - India comprehensive strategic partnership framework.
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Defense Secretary of India Rajesh Kumar Singh speaks at the event. |
In his speech, Defense Secretary of India Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized that VINBAX 2025 demonstrated the robust growth of the bilateral defense cooperation. From a tabletop exercise, VINBAX has evolved into a comprehensive field activity, showcasing mutual understanding and respect between the two militaries. The exercise not only reflects Vietnam’s hospitality, but also allows officers and soldiers of both sides to train together in humanitarian and U.N. peacekeeping missions, reflecting the spirit of peace, compassion, and humanity, the shared values of India and Vietnam.
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Vietnamese and Indian forces participate in VINBAX 2025. |
The Indian official affirmed that VINBAX has become one of the important pillars in the bilateral defense ties, demonstrating the shared commitment of India and Vietnam to regional peace, stability, and cooperation.
Taking place from November 11-27 with nearly 300 participants, themed “Engineering units coordinating with relevant units in U.N. peacekeeping missions,” VINBAX 2025 aims to enhance the professional capacity and coordination of engineering, medical, and rescue units preparing for U.N. deployment.
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Gen. Tan and other delegates visit the places where the exercise takes place. |
According to Maj. Gen. Pham Manh Thang, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the exercise includes three parts, namely theoretical training on U.N. peacekeeping operations, the roles of Vietnam and India, tasks of engineering and medical personnel; practical skill training for engineers and medical staff, covering tasks such as road maintenance, helipad construction, patient triage, trauma care, and drone operation; integrated field exercise simulating coordination between military observers, engineers, medics, and rescue teams in a U.N. mission scenario.
Apart from technical sessions, VINBAX 2025 also features cultural and sport exchanges, helping foster solidarity, friendship, and mutual understanding among participants.
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Delegates in a group photo after the opening ceremony |
Translated by Mai Huong