Haryana

• 08 Nov 2024

VINBAX 2024

Why in News?

The 5^th Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise, "VINBAX 2024" commenced at Ambala, Haryana.

Key Points

• About VINBAX 2024:
  • Expanded Scope with Bi-Service Participation:
    • For the first time, the exercise includes personnel from both Army and Air Force of India and Vietnam, increasing the scope of the exercise.
  • Objective:
    • The exercise aims to build joint military capability, focusing on deployment of Engineer and Medical teams for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations under Chapter VII.
  • Validation Exercise:
    • A 48-hour validation exercise, including a Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) demonstration and equipment display, will evaluate the contingents’ technical capabilities under UN mission scenarios.
  • Cultural Exchange:
    • The exercise also serves as a platform for troops from both nations to learn about each other’s social and cultural heritage.
• India and Vietnam:
  • Both countries 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.

United Nations Peacekeeping

• UN Peacekeeping refers to the activities carried out by the United Nations (UN) to help maintain or restore international peace and security in conflict-affected areas.
  • Established to respond to the complex nature of conflicts and to support countries in transition from conflict to peace,
  • UN Peacekeeping operates under the principles of consent, impartiality, and non-use of force, except in self-defense and defense of the mandate
  • Although the majority of peacekeepers are military or police, approximately 14% are civilians.