DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
jammu, Nov 4
The 5th edition of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise “VINBAX 2024” commenced today at Ambala. Scheduled from 04 to 23 November 2024, the exercise will take place in Ambala and Chandimandir. This exercise follows the previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2023 and represents a major milestone in strengthening India-Vietnam bilateral relations. For the first time, this edition includes bi-service level participation with personnel from both the Army and Air Force of India and Vietnam. The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 47 personnel, is represented by a regiment from the Corps of Engineers along with personnel from other arms and services. The Vietnamese contingent, with a similar strength, includes troops from the Vietnam People’s Army.
The aim of VINBAX-2024 is to enhance the joint military capability of both sides in deploying Engineer Companies and Medical Teams to undertake engineering tasks as part of United Nations peacekeeping operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. This field training exercise, with an expanded scope from previous editions, will strengthen mutual confidence, interoperability, and enable the sharing of best practices between the Indian Army and the Vietnam People’s Army. A 48-hour validation exercise, featuring a Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief demonstration and equipment display, will also be conducted to assess the standards achieved by both contingents during technical military operations under similar UN mission scenarios. Additionally, the joint exercise will provide an opportunity for both contingents to learn about each other’s social and cultural heritage.