Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense dispatched two delegations comprising 43 officers to participate in the exercise. The observer delegation includes three members led by Major General Pham Manh Thang, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations. The second delegation, consisting of 40 members directly participating in the exercise, is headed by Senior Colonel Luu Dinh Hien, Commanding Officer of the Training Center under the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Major General Sunil Sheoran, Additional Director General of Infantry, Indian Army.
In his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Sunil Sheoran emphasized that PRAGATI-I is the first multilateral military cooperation initiative hosted by the Indian Army. The exercise aims to strengthen collective capabilities through the sharing of expertise and experience, improve interoperability and coordination, and enhance military and defense ties among regional countries in addressing common security challenges.
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Delegations participating in the event |
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The Vietnamese delegation at the event |
PRAGATI-I brings together 450 military personnel representing 13 countries, which are Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and host nation India.
The exercise will focus on stabilization operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain to counter asymmetric and hybrid security threats, taking place from May 18 to June 1.
The exercise consists of three phases: theoretical training, advanced practical skills training, and a comprehensive field exercise based on operational scenarios. On the sidelines of the exercise, the Indian Army is also showcasing its weapons and military equipment.
The participation of the Vietnam People’s Army in PRAGATI-I is considered a significant defense external activity, contributing to the implementation of Vietnam’s foreign policy of “proactively and actively contributing to peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.” It also demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment and responsibility toward regional and international peace and security.
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Sr. Col. Luu Dinh Hien exchanges views with members of a foreign delegation. |
Meanwhile, the exercise provides an opportunity for Vietnamese officers and soldiers to enhance their professional expertise and strengthen coordination skills in the multinational and multicultural environment of U.N. peacekeeping operations. The event is also expected to further deepen the enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and India, while expanding defense cooperation with participating partners.
Translated by Quynh Oanh