Multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik docks at Nha Rong port. Photo: VNA

The ships, with 670 officers and sailors on board, docked at Nha Rong port on November 30, VietnamPlus reported.

The visit aims to strengthen cultural exchange and tighten bilateral friendship and cooperation between the two armies and navies on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-India diplomatic ties.

The delegation, led by Col. Sauabh Thakur and Lieut. Col Modit Soni, will pay courtesy calls to leaders of the city, Military Region 7 High Command, Naval Region 2 High Command; and lay a wreath at the President Ho Chi Minh Monument.

The ships, with 670 officers and sailors on board, docked at Nha Rong port on November 30. Photo: VN

They are also due to join friendship activities such as friendly sport matches with officers and soldiers of the Naval Region 2 High Command, an exchange of maritime expertise and passing exercise at sea (PASSEX) and visits to local relic sites.

In June, two other Indian naval ships - INS Sahyadri and INS Kadmatt - carrying with more than 500 crewmembers also visited HCM City.

The visit is part of bilateral defense cooperation activities to enhance ties between the two navies and also mark the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations this year, according to Saigon Giai phong (Liberated Saigon) newspaper.

Vessel INS Sahyadri at Nha Rong Wharf. Photo: Saigon Giai phong

Vietnam and India signed a Joint Vision Statement for Defence Partnership towards the year 2030, which will “significantly enhance” the scope and scale of bilateral defence cooperation, during the talks between Defence Minister Phan Van Giang and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Hanoi last June.

The ministers agreed that the two countries should expand bilateral cooperation as close defence and security cooperation is an important factor of stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Minister Singh said defence cooperation is an important pillar of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two consented to strengthen cooperation through the exchange of delegations, the hosting of dialogue, consultation sessions as well as training and participation in the United Nations peacekeeping missions, among others, Viet Nam News said./.

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