New Delhi: Indian Navy Chief,  arrived in Vietnam today for a momentous occasion - the handing over of the indigenous missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam. This move is set to reinforce India's strong relationship with the East Asian region and deepen military ties between the two nations.

The INS Kirpan, a formidable Khukri class missile corvette, will be gifted to the Vietnamese Navy during a special ceremony at the Cam Ranh International Port later in the evening. Highlighting India's commitment to strengthening partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, Admiral R Hari Kumar's presence at the event underscores the significance of this gesture.

Having departed from Visakhapatnam on June 28, the INS Kirpan completed its final journey to Vietnam, where it will be formally decommissioned by the Indian Navy before being inducted by Vietnam. The decision to present this large-size in-service Corvette to Vietnam was announced during the visit of Vietnam's Defence Minister Gen Phan Van Giang to India, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed the goodwill of India towards its friendly neighbor.

This historic gesture marks the first time India has gifted a warship of this magnitude to a friendly foreign nation. It symbolizes India's commitment to the 'Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)' policy, as emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The INS Kirpan boasts an indigenous design, equipped with advanced weaponry and cutting-edge sensors, and has played a vital role in India's naval operations. The strong capabilities of the corvette, coupled with India's previous refitting efforts before the handover, demonstrate India's commitment to enhancing Vietnam's naval capabilities and fostering stronger defense cooperation between the two nations.

Over the years, Vietnam and India have maintained a robust military relationship and have collaborated on various military hardware projects. The transfer of the INS Kirpan stands as a testament to the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries and heralds a new chapter in their bilateral cooperation.

The ceremony to hand over the INS Kirpan marks a significant milestone in India-Vietnam relations, fostering mutual trust and cooperation in the defense sector, and exemplifying India's commitment to regional security and prosperity.

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