Indian and Vietnamese Troops Engage VINBAX 2024 to Enhance Peacekeeping Operations

Ambala, India - fifth edition of Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise, known as "VINBAX 2024," officially commenced today in Ambala, marking a new chapter in military cooperation between India and Vietnam. Scheduled to run from November 4 to November 23, exercise is being held in both Ambala and Chandimandir and represents a substantial expansion in scope compared to previous editions. For first time, this exercise will feature bi-service participation, including personnel from Indian and Vietnamese armies as well as ir air forces.

VINBAX 2024 exercise is a continuation of last year's successful joint exercise held in Vietnam. This year's event reflects evolving defence partnership between two nations and a commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and joint operational capability. Indian Army contingent is represented by a 47-member team primarily from Corps of Engineers, supported by personnel from or arms and services. Similarly, Vietnamese contingent comprises troops from Vietnam People’s Army with a similar strength, bringing toger skilled engineers and supporting personnel.  

Focus on United Nations Peacekeeping Missions and Interoperability

In an unprecedented move, VINBAX 2024 has expanded to a bi-service exercise, incorporating participation from air force units of both countries, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam-India defence collaboration. This expansion in scope demonstrates commitment of both nations to deepen and diversify ir defence relationship.  

primary objective of VINBAX 2024 is to strengn joint operational capacity of both armies in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, specifically focusing on tasks under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. This chapter authorizes use of force by peacekeeping contingents when necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. exercise will emphasize deployment and operation of engineering companies and medical teams, preparing participants for complex UN peacekeeping roles, including building infrastructure, handling logistics, and providing medical support.

As a field training exercise, VINBAX 2024 will facilitate sharing of technical skills, engineering practices, and medical support strategies between two militaries. Both sides will engage in hands-on training, executing engineering and medical tasks tailored to peacekeeping and disaster relief contexts. expanded scope and field-based approach underscore importance of practical skill-sharing and joint tactical development, which will contribute to seamless interoperability between Indian and Vietnamese forces.  

Key Highlights of VINBAX 2024

Validation Exercise and HR Demonstration: 48-hour validation exercise, a focal point of VINBAX 2024, will test operational reiness of both contingents in simulated scenarios commonly encountered in UN missions. ditionally, joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HR) demonstration will display critical skills in rapid response, casualty management, and infrastructure development under challenging conditions.  

• Technical Equipment Display: A comprehensive display of engineering and medical equipment will allow both armies to familiarize mselves with each or's tools and technologies, facilitating better coordination during joint operations. This display will cover everything from construction equipment for engineering tasks to medical facilities geared toward battlefield healthcare and disaster scenarios.  
• Cultural Exchange and Heritage Exploration: Beyond military operations, VINBAX 2024 will provide an avenue for cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of each or's social backgrounds and heritage. This aspect of exercise aims to build camarerie and mutual respect between contingents, strengning foundation for continued military collaboration.  

Enhancing Bilateral Relations and Mutual Confidence

VINBAX 2024 stands as a testament to growing India-Vietnam strategic partnership, particularly in realm of defence cooperation. structured, hands-on format of exercise highlights emphasis on practical learning, where both contingents benefit from shared insights and operational best practices. By integrating both engineering and medical teams in a UN peacekeeping context, VINBAX 2024 will set stage for even more extensive collaboration in future bilateral exercises.

joint exercise reflects shared vision of India and Vietnam to contribute proactively to regional and global peace. By focusing on UN peacekeeping roles, VINBAX 2024 furr aligns with India’s longstanding commitment to UN missions and supports Vietnam’s increasing involvement in global peace efforts. This exercise also represents a broer shift in India-Vietnam defence relations, moving towards vanced levels of tactical cooperation and mutual understanding.