With An Eye On China, India Hands Over INS Kirpan To Vietnam

In a significant display of the growing defence ties and strategic partnership between India and Vietnam, the Indian Navy decommissioned the INS Kirpan, a fully operational indigenously-built missile corvette, and gifted it to the Vietnam People's Navy (VPN).

The handing over ceremony took place at Cam Ranh in Vietnam and was attended by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy, and Rear Admiral Pham Manh Hung, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, and Chief of Staff, VPN.

INS Kirpan, which has completed 32 years of service, was handed over to Vietnam with a complete weapon complement.

The corvette, an integral part of the Indian Navy's eastern fleet since its commissioning in 1991, has actively participated in several operations.

With a length of 90 m, width of 10.45 m, and a maximum displacement of 1,450 tons, it was manned by approximately 12 officers and 100 sailors.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, in the handing over ceremony of INS Kirpan, emphasised the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between India and Vietnam, noting that it is the first-ever instance of India offering a fully-operational corvette to any friendly foreign country.

“It is a matter of great honour for me to be a part of the handing over ceremony of one of the finest and longest-serving warships of the Indian Navy — Kirpan, to the esteemed Vietnam People’s Navy,” Admiral R Hari Kumar said.

The transfer of INS Kirpan to Vietnam symbolises the Indian Navy's status as the "preferred security partner" in the Indian Ocean Region and is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between the two navies, particularly in the face of growing Chinese belligerence in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean Region.

India's defence engagement with Vietnam has expanded significantly over the years, with joint vision statements and pacts on defence partnership signed towards 2030.

The bilateral cooperation includes military exchanges, capacity building, training programmes, and ship visits. India is looking to export Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam, as well.

The gifting of INS Kirpan reflects India's commitment to supporting Vietnam in enhancing its maritime capabilities and ensuring security in the region.