There will be a joint naval exercise between India and Vietnam

-In China tensions over the exercise in the South China Sea

-China is increasing the number of troops in the area

New Delhi Dated 25th December 2020 Friday

The navies of India and Vietnam are to hold a two-day joint exercise in the South China Sea from tomorrow. Naturally, the incident upset China as it increased its military presence in the region.

The exercise is aimed at enhancing maritime co-operation between the two countries, a government spokesman said. An Indian Navy ship INS Kilton has sailed to Vietnam to provide relief to those affected by the catastrophic floods in central Vietnam. Returning, the ship will participate in a joint exercise.

The joint exercise was taking place at a time when China was increasing its military presence in the South China Sea, so naturally there was a kind of concern around the world. According to the Department of Defense, INS Kilton arrived at the port of Ho Chi Minh on Thursday carrying 15 tons of relief supplies to help flood victims in central Vietnam. The ship will return in a joint exercise with the Vietnamese navy in the South China Sea on December 27 after delivering relief supplies.

Earlier this week, a digital summit was held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Gwen Juan Phuc on Monday. On the occasion, the two countries discussed ways to enhance maritime cooperation as well as defense cooperation. This joint exercise is to be held in this connection.