India Gifted INS Kirpan: India gifted INS Kirpan to its friendly country Vietnam on Saturday (July 22). This warship served the Indian Navy for 32 years. During a ceremony held in Vietnam, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar handed over INS Kirpan to the Chief of the Vietnam People’s Navy.
This is not only a proof of the strong friendship between India and Vietnam, but it will also increase Vietnam’s strength in the South China Sea. Presiding over the ceremony at Cam Ranh, Admiral Kumar said, “Vietnam serves as an important partner in India’s ‘Indo-Pacific Vision’, which aims to strengthen ties and develop partnerships towards keeping the region safe, secure and stable.”
Vietnam’s dispute with China
Vietnam, an important ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) country, has territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea region. At the same time, India is helping oil exploration projects in Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea. Both the countries have been enhancing their maritime security cooperation in the last few years to protect common interests.
Admiral Kumar said, “Both India and Vietnam are responsible members of the global community and have regularly demonstrated their commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and justice enshrined in the international legal framework. ,
Admiral Kumar expressed hope that INS Kirpan will continue to operate at sea, ‘upholding the principles of freedom, justice and the rules-based international order, becoming the pillar around which the ‘forces of good’ will be built.
His comments came against the backdrop of China’s growing military might in the South China Sea. INS Kirpan has been handed over to Vietnam after being decommissioned from the Indian Navy.
“After completing 32 years of illustrious service to the nation, Indian Naval Ship Kirpan was decommissioned and handed over to VPN today,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.
Specialties of INS Kirpan
INS Kirpan has been an integral part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet since its commissioning in 1991 and has participated in several operations over the last 32 years. Manned by around 12 officers and 100 sailors, the ship is 90 meters long and 10.45 meters wide.
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