Vessel INS SAHYADRI at Nha Rong Wharf on June 24.

The Indian Naval Ships SAHYADRI and KADMATT arrived at Nha Rong Port at Ho Chi Minh City on a three-day visit to Vietnam on June 24, VNA reported.

Representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the Navy army welcomed the two Indian navy ships.

The visit of the two ships is an important part of the naval exchanges between India and Vietnam and reflects the deepening defense partnership between the two countries.

The visit also marks the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations this year.

Vessel INS KADMATT at Nha Rong Wharf on June 24. Photo: VNA

Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla (L), Commander of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, is welcomed at Nha Rong Wharf on June 24

During their stay, the Indian delegation is set to pay courtesy calls to HCM City leaders, visit the high commands of Military Region 7 and Naval Region 2, pay tribute to Vietnam’s late President Ho Chi Minh, visit local historical relic sites, and take part in sports exchanges with officers and soldiers of Naval Region 2.

The Indian ships will also join the Vietnam People’s Navy in a joint passage exercise (PASSEX).

Addressing a press meeting held on INS SAHYADRI, Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Commander of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet and head of the delegation, said the friendship trip to HCM City holds great significance as it takes place amid the 50th anniversary of India - Vietnam diplomatic ties and the fifth anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Speaking highly of their growing bilateral relations, including defense cooperation, he said the two countries share a common viewpoint on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, along with the peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Commanding Officer, Eastern Fleet of India (center), Col. Le Nam Son, Assistant Brigade Commander, 125th Brigade, 2nd Marine Region (left), and Indian Defense Attaché, Col. Varadan Kumar, at the press conference.

The INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the P17 class of stealthy guided-missile destroyers. The ship was designed in-house by the Indian Navy's Design Institute and built by Mazagaon Dock Company in Mumbai, according to SGGP.

Commissioned on July 21, 2012, the ship features a range of tailored weapons sensors that enable it to operate effectively in high-threat environments. The ship's offensive and defensive weapon systems include long-range anti-ship/surface-to-surface missiles, medium- and short-range surface-to-air missiles, medium-range gun platforms, close-range weapons systems, and anti-torpedo submarines, anti-submarine missiles, and an advanced domestically manufactured sonar device to counter any threat from the ground, underwater or in the air.

In addition, the ship is also capable of carrying two multi-purpose helicopters, adding to the advantage of the ship's combat and defense capabilities. With stealth features, a formidable weapon sensor package, state-of-the-art equipment, and durability, the INS Sahyadri is a versatile platform that contributes to the defense of India's maritime objectives. .

Meanwhile, the INS Kadmatt (P29 class) is the second out of four domestically produced anti-submarine warfare frigates in the Indian Navy's Plan 28, which aims to modernize the Navy through the manufacture of anti-submarine stealth corvettes.

The INS Kadmatt which was put into service on January 7, 2016, is manufactured based on the vision to realize the ‘Make in India’ dream and centralization efforts of the Indian Navy. The ship is built with more than 90 percent domestically produced spare parts.

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