India gifts missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam, strengthens 'Look East' policy

India has gifted an indigenously-built missile warship, INS Kirpan, to its strategic partner Vietnam with aim of strengning its reach in South China Sea. announcement came after India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, held a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart, General Phan Van Gang, in national capital on June 9.

Defence Ministers of India and Vietnam strengn bilateral defence ties in a high-level meeting. (Image: Ministry of Defence)

3 Things You Need to Know about Gifting Kirpan

• gift of INS Kirpan, an in-service missile corvette, will enhance Vietnamese People's Navy.

• Vietnam is a vital partner in India's Act East policy, and gift of Kirpan strengns this alliance.

• During visit, Ministers discussed defence cooperation, research, and joint production.

Enhanced maritime security with INS Kirpan

missile corvette will become second largest in Vietnam's arsenal and provide a cost-effective solution for Vietnam's coastal defence and patrol operations. With its smaller crew requirements and efficient operation in littoral waters, INS Kirpan offers an efficient and affordable option. It has been designed with multi-purpose capabilities, including anti-ship warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and patrol missions. This versatility allows Vietnamese Navy to effectively dress a wide range of maritime security challenges. Given Vietnam's significant coastal territory, se corvettes can conduct surveillance, enforce maritime law, and respond effectively to threats in nearshore areas. ditionally, acquiring corvettes with capable armament and sensors contributes to regional stability, enabling Vietnam to maintain a credible defence posture and engage in cooperative maritime security efforts with neighbouring countries, fostering stability and cooperation in region.

Deepening mutual cooperation for furr growth

This gesture also signifies deepening alliance between Vietnam and India, which has been steily growing over past dece. Ministry of Defense's official release stated, "Both Ministers identified means to enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in field of defence industry cooperation, maritime security, and multinational cooperation." officials also discussed defence research and joint production during Vietnamese defence minister's visit to Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) hequarters.

Kirpan Strengns India's 'Look East' Policy

India's strategic partnership with Vietnam is a crucial component of its Act East Policy and broer vision for Indo-Pacific region. "Look East" policy aims to foster economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relations. gifting of INS Kirpan reflects a trend of countries coming toger to counterbalance China's influence and emphasises regional cooperation for security. It highlights India's proactive role in Indo-Pacific, strengning defence capabilities, and projecting its influence. objective is to ensure regional stability and promote a balanced and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

On eve of its decommissioning after 32 years of service, INS Khukri was commemorated. (Image: Press Information Bureau)

During General Phan Van Gang's visit to India, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at National War Memorial, where he paid homage to fallen heroes. In future, collaboration can extend beyond defence equipment and encompass joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity building.