The Indian Navy INS Kiltan will undertake a “passage exercise” with the Vietnamese Navy warship in the South China Sea from 26-27 December as a part of efforts being made by both the countries to boost maritime cooperation, officials said.

Indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare corvette has been sent to Vietnam for delivering relief material for people of the country’s central region affected by flood and will participate in the exercise in the South China Sea on its return journey, they added. The exercise will take place at a time when China has expanded its military assertiveness in spite of global concerns and criticism.
Defence Ministry 

said in a statement that INS Kiltan reached Nha Rhang port of Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday with 15 tonnes of relief materials for the flood-affected people of central Vietnam. “On departure from Ho Chi Minh City, the ship will undertake a passage exercise with the Vietnam People’s Navy in the South China Sea from December 26 to 27,” it said.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual summit with the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc, during which both sides will commit to boosting overall defence and security cooperation.