New Delhi, July 22 : Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar’s visit to Vietnam for the handover ceremony of the indigenous missile corvette INS Kirpan marks a significant move to strengthen India’s ties with the East Asian region. The ceremony, held at Cam Ranh international port, will see the gifting of INS Kirpan to the Vietnamese Navy, showcasing India’s commitment to enhancing partnerships with Southeast Asian countries.
The INS Kirpan embarked on its final journey from Visakhapatnam on June 28, and after reaching Vietnam, it will be decommissioned by the Indian Navy before being inducted by Vietnam. This notable decision to gift a large-size in-service Corvette to a friendly nation reflects India’s dedication to fostering regional security and growth under the ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’ policy, as emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The INS Kirpan, an indigenously built Khukri class missile corvette, boasts advanced weaponry, sensors, and has been fully operational in the Indian Navy. The move to gift the warship comes after India and Vietnam have enjoyed a history of strong military relations and cooperation on military hardware.
India’s recent refit of the INS Kirpan further bolsters its capabilities before presenting it as a gift to the Vietnamese Navy, reinforcing the commitment to regional collaboration and maritime security in the East Asian region.
