The Indian Navy’s indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvette, INS Kiltan, arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, on May 12, 2024, receiving a warm welcome from the Vietnam People’s Navy and the Indian Embassy. The visit is part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet and is poised to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam.
India and Vietnam share a comprehensive strategic partnership, and this visit by INS Kiltan is focused on activities that reflect the shared values of both navies. These include professional interactions, sporting events, social exchanges, and community outreach initiatives.
The visit will culminate with a Maritime Partnership Exercise at sea between the Indian Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy. This exercise aims to further enhance interoperability and the exchange of best practices between the two maritime forces.
INS Kiltan is an indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvette designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. It is the third of four P28 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvettes in the Indian Navy’s fleet.
The arrival of INS Kiltan in Vietnam is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between the two nations and their commitment to fostering maritime cooperation in the region. These engagements not only strengthen the operational capabilities of both navies but also promote mutual understanding and trust between the two countries. The visit is expected to provide opportunities for meaningful interactions between the navies of India and Vietnam, enabling them to learn from each other’s experiences and explore avenues for further collaboration in areas of mutual interest. As part of the Indian Navy’s broader diplomatic outreach efforts, such visits play a crucial role in enhancing maritime security, promoting regional stability, and fostering a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region.
