Indian, Vietnam Coast Guards reaffirm bilateral cooperation ahead of joint exercise (Lead)

Kolkata/Chennai, Aug 26 (IANS) The Indian and Vietnam Coast Guards held their 7th high-level meeting at Chennai on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Co-chaired by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) DG Paramesh Sivamani and Major General Luong Dinh Hung, vice commandant, Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG), the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas including maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), maritime law enforcement, marine pollution response and capacity building.

Both sides reviewed ongoing bilateral engagements, including professional exchanges and ship visits, and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and interoperability.

The meeting was held under the framework of the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on Coast Guard Cooperation. The importance of regular institutional interactions, training programmes, professional exchanges, sharing of best practices and ship visits was emphasised during the meeting to further strengthen mutual trust, coordination and operational cooperation.

“The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Vietnam to work together in the spirit of friendship and cooperation towards promoting maritime safety, security and environmental sustainability in the region,” a statement said.

The meeting came ahead of the second edition of the India-Vietnam Coast Guard Joint Exercise, SAHYOG-HOPTAC, to be conducted off Chennai from Thursday, August 27, 2026.

The VCG has sent its ship, CSB 8002, for the exercise. The ICG will participate with its own platforms.

The exercise will provide an opportunity for both Coast Guards to enhance operational coordination, strengthen interoperability and exchange best practices.

Vietnam, despite being ruled by a Communist government, faces a threat from expansionist China. Its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is regularly infringed upon by Chinese Navy and coast guard platforms.

Vietnam has signed a deal with India for the supply of BrahMos anti-ship missiles for a shore-based defence battery.

Defence ties between India and Vietnam have grown over the years. India provides training to military personnel from Vietnam. It is also providing support for the setting up of an Army Software Park at the Telecommunications University at Nha Trang in Vietnam.

The two countries will also co-chair the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts’ Working Group (ADMM-Plus EWG) on Cyber Security for the 2027 – 2030 cycle.

–IANS

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