November 11, 2025 5:03 PM.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Deputy Chief of General Staff of Vietnam, Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan presided over the opening ceremony of the 6TH edition of India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX in Hanoi today.
Ministry of Defence has said, exercise VINBAX is a bilateral military exercise between India and Vietnam aimed at enhancing inter-operability and sharing best practices in UN peacekeeping operations.
The 6th edition aims to enhance interoperability and share best practices in UN peacekeeping operations, to strengthen defence cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Head of Vietnam’s UN Peacekeeping Steering Committee highlighted the continuous development of bilateral defense ties, exemplified by activities such as the 2025 Vietnam-India Defense Policy Dialogue.
He urged all participating personnel to strictly follow security and safety regulations and to engage in the exercise with the highest sense of responsibility.
Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh affirmed that VINBAX serves as a key symbol of bilateral defence cooperation, showing the shared commitment of both nations to peace, stability, and regional cooperation.
He added that this year’s exercise provides an opportunity for the armed forces of both countries to train and exchange practical experience in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.
According to Major General Pham Manh Thang, Head of the Exercise Steering Committee, VINBAX 2025 involves nearly 300 personnel and will run for 18 days, from November 11 to 27.
The program integrates theoretical training on UN peacekeeping operations, specialized knowledge, and the roles of engineering and medical units, alongside practical exercises including reconnaissance, construction and maintenance of infrastructure, mass casualty triage and emergency treatment, humanitarian support, and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
The training culminates in integrated field exercises where military observers, engineering, medical, and search-and-rescue units coordinate to handle simulated scenarios under realistic mission conditions.
In addition to professional activities, VINBAX 2025 features ceremonial events, cultural and sports exchanges, and site visits to foster understanding, camaraderie, and friendship among participants.