Vietnam, India warships conduct joint exercises in East Sea

The 012 Ly Thai To frigate of Vietnam along with India's INS Ranvijay destroyer and frigate INS Kora held joint drills in the East Sea, known internationally as the South China Sea, on Wednesday in accordance with the Western Pacific Navy's Code of Conduct for Unexpected Encounters at Sea (CUES).

After the drill, all crews performed a greeting ceremony, ending the visit to Vietnam of the Indian naval fleet.

The activity aims to strengthen and promote the friendship between Vietnam and India in general and the armies and navies of both countries in particular.

According to a statement posted on the Indian Ministry of Defense's website, frequent contact between the navies of Vietnam and India over the years has enhanced the coordination and adaptability of both forces.

The Indian naval fleet with 459 officers and sailors arrived at Cam Ranh Port in Khanh Hoa Province on Aug. 15. The reception ceremony was held online to ensure the prevention of Covid-19.

INS Ranvijay is a Rajput-class guided-missile destroyer commissioned by India in late 1987, while INS Kora is the first of the eponymous missile corvettes, in service since 1998.