Sailing training ship INS Sudarshini of the Indian Navy docked at Ho Chi Minh City international port on October 18 (Photo: VNA) HCMCity (VNA) – Sailing training ship INS Sudarshini of the Indian Navydocked at Ho Chi Minh City international port on October 18, beginning afriendly visit to the southern metropolis of Vietnam.
In his welcoming remarks, Vice Chairman of HCM City People’s CommitteeNgo Minh Chau said the traditional friendship between Vietnam and India,which was nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and leader Mahatma Gandhi, hascontinuously developed in all fields. In particular, therelationship between HCM City and India is also constantly strengthened anddeveloped in the fields of trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges,he went on.
The city leader expressed his hope that the visit will not onlypromote cooperation between the two navies but also serve as a connectionbetween the Governments and people of the two countries, contributing to peace,security and stability in the region and the world.
Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankaremphasised that the visit to the HCM City of Ship INS Sudarshiniis a highlight in relations between the two countries, especially defence andmaritime relations. In recent years, defence cooperation has been one of thepillars of India-Vietnam relations. The two countries have signed many defencecooperation agreements, contributing to promoting the relationship between thetwo sides, he added.
The Indian Government is committed to promotingcooperative activities with Vietnam in all fields from politics to economics,the diplomat said.
During their stay in HCM City, officers, sailors and cadetsof the INS Sudarshini will pay a courtesy visit to the Navy Region 2 of theVietnam People’s Navy, pay floral tributes at the Monument of President Ho ChiMinh, visit a number of historical and cultural relics of the city andparticipate in friendly exchange activities with local soldiers and people.
INS Sudarshini is a sail training ship that is 54m in length and 8.5m in width. Since being commissioned in 2012, the INS Sudarshini has madevoyages to different foreign ports including those of ASEAN countries, becomingone of the symbols of the Indian navy in promoting friendship and maritimecooperation with friendly foreign countries./.
