Why in News:

• The navies of India and Vietnam undertook a bilateral exercise in the South China Sea.
• INS Ranvijay and INS Kora undertook bilateral maritime exercises with Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) frigate VPNS Ly Thai To(HQ-012)

Significance

• The bilateral interaction aims to consolidate the strong bond shared by the two navies and would be another step towards strengthening India-Vietnam defence relations.
• The sea phase included surface warfare exercises, weapon firing drills and helicopter operations. Regular interactions between the two navies over the years have enhanced their interoperability and adaptability.
• Both India and Vietnam have common concerns over China’s military expansionism in the South China Sea.
• Vietnam, an important country of the ASEAN has territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea region
• India has oil exploration projects in the Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea.

 References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-vietnam-navies-hold-exercise-in-south-china-sea/article35980776.ece
2. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1746965