Indian Naval Ships INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti arrived at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as part of the Indian Navy’s operational deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit marks the Navy’s first major presence in Vietnam since India and Vietnam elevated their bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2026, reflecting growing maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Key Highlights
🔹 INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti arrived at Ho Chi Minh City on June 22.
🔹 The ships were led by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
🔹 Indian Navy and Vietnam People’s Navy will conduct professional exchanges and joint activities.
🔹 The visit follows the elevation of India-Vietnam ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
New Delhi: As part of the Indian Navy’s operational deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, the indigenously designed and constructed warships INS Udaygiri, a stealth frigate, and INS Kavaratti, an anti-submarine warfare corvette, arrived at Nha Rong Port, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on June 22.
The ships, led by Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, received a warm ceremonial welcome from personnel of the Vietnam People’s Navy, representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and port authorities.
The visit reflects the strong and longstanding maritime relationship between India and Vietnam and highlights the growing cooperation between the two navies. During the port call, both navies will participate in a series of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sporting engagements and community outreach activities aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and operational cooperation.
Senior leadership interactions are also scheduled during the visit, providing an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on regional maritime security and enhance bilateral naval engagement.
The deployment assumes added significance as it marks the Indian Navy’s first major presence in Vietnam since India and Vietnam elevated their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2026. The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening defence and maritime cooperation with key partners in Southeast Asia and supporting a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Both INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti are examples of India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and represent the country’s continued focus on maritime self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Conclusion
The arrival of INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti in Vietnam highlights the growing strategic partnership between India and Vietnam and underscores the Indian Navy’s role in strengthening regional maritime cooperation, interoperability and security across the Indo-Pacific.
