Eye On China, India Hands Over Missile Corvette INS Kirpan To Vietnam
NDTV
Vietnam, an important ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) country, has territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea region.
India gifted its in-service missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam today in reflection of growing bilateral strategic and defence partnership amid common concerns over China's increasingly aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea.
This is the first time that India handed over a fully operational corvette to any friendly foreign country, officials said. Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, currently on an official visit to Vietnam, presided over the ceremony at Vietnamese deep water bay of Cam Ranh where the frontline warship was handed over to Vietnam People's Navy.
The Indian Navy said the ship has been handed over to Vietnam People's Navy (VPN) with complete "weapon complement".
