INS Udaygiri, INS Kavaratti dock in Vietnam as India expands Indo-Pacific naval presence

Photo credit: PIB

INS Udaygiri, and INS Kavaratti warships of the Indian Navy, arrived at Nha Rong Port, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Monday during their operational deployment to the South East Asia region.Both the warships are indigenously designed and constructed.

INS Udaygiri is a stealth frigate and INS Kavaratti, is an anti-submarine warfare corvette.

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Upon arrival, Rear Admiral Alok Ananda, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, were accorded a warm ceremonial welcome by personnel from the Vietnam People's Navy, representatives of the HCMC People’s Committee, and port authorities.During the port call, personnel from both navies will participate in professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sporting activities and senior leadership engagements designed to deepen defence cooperation and maritime collaboration between the two countries.

Photo credit: PIB

The deployment underscores the rapidly expanding strategic partnership between India and Vietnam, two countries that share concerns over maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.In May 2026, the two countries upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting growing convergence on regional security issues and a shared commitment to a stable, rules-based maritime order.

The port call also highlights India's growing naval footprint in Southeast Asia, a region that has become increasingly important to New Delhi's Indo-Pacific strategy.Located along critical sea lanes and at the centre of the contested South China Sea, Vietnam holds a key position in regional geopolitics.The deployment of INS Udaygiri and INS Kavaratti reflects India's growing ability to sustain naval operations far from its shores while showcasing indigenous warship-building capabilities.As competition for influence intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, such engagements are expected to play an increasingly important role in advancing India's strategic partnerships and maritime interests in the region.