INS Kirpan’s Journey To Vietnam For Handover To Vietnamese Navy

July 10, 2023

102 1 minute read

Indian Navy's Acquisition Of Rafale-M Fighters And Attack Submarines From France — Image credit : Indian Navy

"The transfer of INS Kirpan to Vietnam reflects India's concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)'.
The statement also said that the navies of India and Vietnam work together a lot.

The Missile Corvette INS Kirpan, which was made in India, arrived at the Cam Ranh International Port in Vietnam on July 8. The Vietnam People’s Navy held a ceremony to welcome the ship. The vessel made its last trip from India to Vietnam proudly showing the Indian Naval Ensign for the last time at sea while flying the Indian Tricolor.

When the training of the crew of the INS Kirpan was done at the end of July, it would be given to the Vietnam People’s Navy. Last month, Vietnamese Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang went to India, where it was reported that India would give Hanoi the INS Kirpan.

In a statement released on June 28, the Indian defense ministry said, “The transfer of the in-service missile corvette INS Kirpan from the Indian Navy to the Vietnam People’s Navy shows India’s commitment to help its like-minded partners improve their capacity and capability.”

What is INS Kirpan?

The Indian Defense Ministry says that the INS Kirpan is the third Khukri-class missile ship that was made in India and is currently in use by the Indian Navy. The ship has a wide range of weapons and sensors, and it has taken part in both military and relief missions.

The INS Kirpan left Visakhapatnam on June 28 for its last trip from India to Vietnam.

“The transfer of INS Kirpan to Vietnam reflects India’s concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’. This is the first time that India has given a fully operating corvette to a friendly foreign country, according to a statement from the defense ministry.

The statement also said that the navies of India and Vietnam work together a lot. They do this through many operational contacts, structured dialogues, and ways to share information.

“This Navy-to-Navy cooperation also includes a wide range of projects aimed at building capacity and improving capabilities, such as the supply of spare parts, the repair of ships, the deputation of instructors, and regular goodwill visits by Naval Ships and delegations,” the statement said.