3rd Edition of EX VINBAX 2022

Context

The 3rd Edition of Vietnam India Bilateral Army Exercise “Ex VINBAX 2022” is scheduled to be conducted at Chandimandir.

Background

• The 1st addition of India-Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX-2018) was held in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur. 
• The first military exercise between the two countries was VINBAX-2018. 
• The six-day military exercise was held as part of the Indian Army's joint training with friendly foreign countries.
• VINBAX-2018 was a Tabletop Exercise to train for Peacekeeping Operations under the auspices of the United Nations (UN). 
• It was undertaken by 15 officers from the Indian Army and the Vietnam People's Army.
• The joint exercise was specifically designed to enable and train Vietnamese officers for UN Peacekeeping Operations. 
• Both armies interacted and shared experiences during the joint exercise.

Military exercises are divided into three main categories-

• Domestic Exercise
• Bilateral Exercise
• Multilateral Exercise

About VINBAX-2022 

• The exercise is a sequel to previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019 and a major milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam. 
• India and Vietnam share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and defence cooperation is a key pillar of this partnership. 
• Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and the Indo-Pacific vision. 
• The theme of Ex VINBAX – 2022 is employment and deployment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team as part of United Nations Contingent for Peacekeeping Operations. 
• The conduct of Ex VINBAX – 2022 as a field training exercise with enhanced scope from previous editions of bilateral exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, inter-operability and enable sharing of best practices between the Indian Army and Vietnam People's Army.   
• The joint exercise will also provide an opportunity to the troops of both the Contingents to learn about the social and cultural heritage of each other. 
• The Indian Army is being represented by troops from the 105 Engineer Regiment.