These visits were aimed at strengthening maritime relationships and enhancing security across the Indo-Pacific
The Indian Navy is reinforcing its strategic ties and operational interoperability with Southeast Asian nations through the latest visits of the Indian Naval Ships (INS) Kiltan, Delhi, and Shakti to Vietnam and Malaysia respectively.

Visit to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam


INS Kiltan, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette, made a significant visit to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, on May 12, 2024, as part of the Eastern Fleet's operational deployment. The ship was warmly received by the Vietnam People's Navy and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, reflecting the deep-rooted maritime friendship and strategic partnership between India and Vietnam.

The visit featured a series of professional, sporting, and social exchanges, along with community outreach activities, emphasizing the shared naval values and cooperative spirit of the two countries. The highlight of the visit was a Maritime Partnership Exercise at sea with the Vietnam People's Navy, aimed at enhancing interoperability and sharing best practices in maritime operations.

INS Kiltan is designed by the Indian Navy's Directorate of Naval Design and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.

Engagement in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Simultaneously, INS Delhi and INS Shakti visited Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, under the command of Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. This visit, also part of the Indian Navy's operational deployment, saw a warm reception from the Royal Malaysian Navy and the High Commission of India in Malaysia.

During their stay, personnel from the Indian and Malaysian navies engaged in extensive professional interactions, including Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) sessions, yoga classes, sports fixtures, and cross-deck visits. 

The culmination of the visit was a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Royal Malaysian Navy, reinforcing the operational synergy and enhancing the interoperability fostered during the recent MILAN 2024 and Ex Samudra Lakshmana 2024 exercises.

INS Delhi, the first indigenously designed and built Project-15 class guided missile destroyer, and INS Shakti, a Fleet Support Ship, are both critical components of the Indian Navy’s strategic outreach in the region.

These visits underline the Indian Navy's commitment to the Government of India's 'Act East' and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies, aimed at strengthening maritime relationships and enhancing security across the Indo-Pacific.

The engagements not only serve to fortify bilateral ties but also play a crucial role in maintaining regional maritime security and stability, demonstrating India’s readiness to collaborate with its ASEAN counterparts. 

The Indian Navy's visits to Vietnam and Malaysia mark important milestones in India's diplomatic and security initiatives in Southeast Asia. These visits are a part of a broader strategy to enhance maritime cooperation, build mutual trust, and secure a stable maritime environment in the region. As India continues to project its maritime capabilities, the strengthening of ties with ASEAN countries remains a priority, reflective of a shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.