Indian naval ships INS Satpura (F48) and INS Delhi (D61) arrived in Da Nang City, central Vietnam on Friday as part of the Indian Navy’s courtesy visit to ASEAN countries.

The port call at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang aims to bolster India’s cordial ties with Vietnam and strengthen maritime cooperation between the two countries.

The visit took place after Vietnam and India celebrated the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations last year.

Representatives from Vietnamese agencies (L) welcome Indian naval officials following the port call of Indian Naval ships INS Satpura (F48) and INS Delhi (D61) at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, May 19, 2023. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

In 2016, the two nations elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in which defense cooperation acts as a crucial cornerstone.

During the visit to Da Nang, the Indian Navy will engage in a wide range of professional interactions and expertise exchanges with its Vietnamese counterpart.

Representatives from Vietnamese agencies and Indian naval officials take photos following the port call of Indian Naval ships INS Satpura (F48) and INS Delhi (D61) at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, May 19, 2023. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

Speaking at Friday’s welcome ceremony, Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, who currently serves as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy, said that his delegation hopes to enhance people-to-people connections, experience the vibrant culture of Vietnam, and meet with local partners, thus foster relations and mutual understanding between the two navies during the visit, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The Indian Navy also looks forward to welcoming the Vietnamese Navy’s ships and delegation to the upcoming MILAN multinational exercise in India in 2024.

A BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is seen on Indian Naval ship INS Delhi (D61) at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, May 19, 2023. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

During their stay in Da Nang, Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, officers and commanders of the two naval ships will pay a courtesy visit to leaders of the Military Region 5 High Command and the municipal People’s Committee.

INS Delhi, India’s first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer, and INS Satpura, an indigenous multi-purpose stealth frigate, are equipped with a versatile array of weapons and sensors, and can carry multi-role helicopters.

An artillery piece is seen on Indian Naval ship INS Delhi (D61) at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, May 19, 2023. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

The ships are a testimony to India’s advanced ship design and shipbuilding capabilities.

Earlier, they visited Sihanoukville, Cambodia from May 11-14.

Indian naval officials host a press conference on Indian Naval ship INS Satpura (F48) at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, May 19, 2023. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

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