New Delhi

The 5th edition of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise, VINBAX 2024, began on Monday in Ambala, Haryana, focusing on joint engineering tasks under UN Peacekeeping Operations. Scheduled to run until November 23, the exercise will also extend to Chandimandir.

VINBAX-2024 aims to boost the joint military capabilities of both nations, specifically in deploying Engineer Companies and Medical Teams for UN peacekeeping duties. This exercise follows the 2023 edition held in Vietnam and marks a significant step in strengthening India-Vietnam relations. For the first time, it includes participation at the Bi-Service level, involving both Army and Air Force personnel from the two countries.

The Indian contingent, made up of 47 personnel from the Corps of Engineers and other units, will train alongside an equivalent number from the Vietnam People’s Army. This field training exercise, expanded from past versions, aims to enhance mutual trust, interoperability, and the sharing of best practices.

A 48-hour validation phase, featuring a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief demonstration, is also planned to assess the contingents’ operational skills. VINBAX-2024 will foster cultural exchange between the troops. Established in 2018, the exercise alternates annually between India and Vietnam, with the last edition held at Chandimandir in August 2022.