Three Indian Naval ships - INS Delhi, INS Kiltan, and INS Shakti - led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet made a port call at Da Nang, Vietnam from 24 to 27 July 2025.
The ships were welcomed upon arrival by representatives from the People’s Committee of Da Nang, Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN), and Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG). A series of professional interactions, calls on Vietnamese dignitaries, visits by university students and media persons, sporting events and cultural exchanges took place during the visit. The Ambassador of India to Vietnam, H.E. Sandeep Arya visited the three ships, interacted with the crew and received operational briefings.
A deck reception was hosted aboard India’s destroyer, INS Delhi, which was attended by Vice Chairman of Da Nang People’s Committee, senior officers of VPN, Vietnamese friends of India and the community.
The port call will be followed by a bilateral maritime exercise (PASSEX) with the Vietnam People’s Navy, aimed at promoting mutual learning and professional exchange between the two navies. Apart from representing India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and shared interests in peace, security and stability in the region, the port call by the indigenously build destroyer ship and advanced equipment exemplify India’s defence manufacturing capability under ‘Make in India’.
India and Vietnam are advancing bilateral defence cooperation through a range of measures including annual Staff Talks between the three services, Defence Policy Dialogue, exercises, training, capacity-building and technical collaboration. Around 60 ITEC training courses annually offer to officers of the Vietnamese armed forces programmes covering military courses, peacekeeping, pilot training, maritime capabilities, naval engineering, cybersecurity and numerous others.
This visit reflects and progresses the Indian Navy’s broader efforts to strengthen partnership with Vietnam and endeavours under India’s Act East Policy and the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
Hanoi
27 July 2025
