New Delhi15 minutes ago
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Indian Navy gifted INS Kirpan to Vietnam after 32 years of service. Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar handed over INS Kirpan to the Chief of the Vietnam People’s Navy in a ceremony held in Vietnam on Saturday. This will also increase Vietnam’s strength in the South China Sea.
On June 19, 2023, the Defense Minister announced the gifting of INS Kirpan to Swadesh Vietnam. INS Kirpan had departed from India for Vietnam on 28 Jun 2023 on her last voyage and arrived at Cam Ron, Vietnam on 08 Jul 2023.
This is the first time that India has handed over a fully operational warship to a friendly country.
China is continuously showing an aggressive attitude in the South China Sea. China is also becoming a problem for other countries in the South China Sea. There is also a border dispute between China and Vietnam. Vietnam shares its northern border with China.
India, America and friendly countries have been continuously advocating free navigation. Strengthening Vietnam’s position in the South China Sea will help counter China. India and Vietnam have had very good relations. India helped Vietnam in the 1979 Sino-Vietnam War.
Was inducted into the Navy in 1991
INS Kirpan was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 12 January 1991. It is a Khukri class corvette. It was an important part of the Navy’s Eastern Fleet. The warship is 90 meters long and 10.45 meters wide. Its weight is 1450 tonnes. It has a medium range gun and is also equipped with missiles and other weapons.
Indian Navy has gifted INS Kirpan along with weapons to Vietnam Navy. Vietnam is India’s preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean region. Strengthening the Vietnam Navy will also help in curbing China’s antics in the Indian Ocean region.