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The cooperation between India and Vietnam against China

India and Vietnam have engaged in military cooperation with the understanding of the shared challenges posed by China's assertiveness in the region. The cooperation between the two countries against China can be seen in the following aspects:

1. Maritime Security: Both India and Vietnam have expressed concerns over China's actions in the South China Sea, where China has claimed almost the entire region, overlapping with the territorial claims of Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations. India and Vietnam have collaborated on enhancing maritime security, conducting joint patrols, and sharing information to safeguard their respective interests in the region.

2. Defense Exchanges and Joint Exercises: India and Vietnam have conducted joint naval exercises, such as the bilateral exercise "VINBAX," aimed at improving interoperability and sharing best practices. These exercises focus on areas like anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue operations, and coordinated maneuvers. The joint exercises strengthen military ties and demonstrate the ability to cooperate in addressing regional security challenges.

3. Defense Equipment and Technology: India has provided military equipment and technology support to Vietnam. For instance, India has extended a line of credit to Vietnam, resulting in the provision of high-speed guard boats. There have also been discussions around the sale of indigenously developed supersonic missile systems from India to Vietnam. This cooperation in defense equipment and technology aims to enhance Vietnam's defense capabilities vis-à-vis China.

4. Strategic Partnerships: India and Vietnam have established a strategic partnership since 2007, focusing on defense cooperation. This partnership includes defense dialogues, consultations, and joint working groups, providing a framework for regular discussions on defense and security matters. These partnerships facilitate closer coordination on issues related to countering China's assertiveness in the region.

5. Regional Security Initiatives: Both India and Vietnam actively participate in regional security initiatives that aim to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. For example, both countries are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, also known as the Quad, which includes India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. The Quad seeks to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, countering China's influence in the process.

It is important to note that India and Vietnam's defense cooperation is not solely targeted against China. Both countries have their respective strategic interests and security concerns in the region. While the cooperation acknowledges China's assertiveness, it also serves broader objectives of enhancing their own defense capabilities, maintaining regional stability, and safeguarding their national interests.

Vietnam seeks India's assistance in countering China due to several reasons:

1. Territorial Disputes: Vietnam and China have territorial disputes in the South China Sea. China's expansive territorial claims, as well as its increasing presence and activities in the disputed waters, pose a direct challenge to Vietnam's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Vietnam seeks support from regional partners like India to counter China's assertiveness in these disputed areas.

2. Power Imbalance: China's military capabilities significantly outweigh those of Vietnam. As a smaller nation, Vietnam may face challenges in defending its interests and deterring potential Chinese aggression. Seeking support from regional partners like India helps to balance the power dynamics and strengthen Vietnam's position vis-à-vis China.

3. Security and Defense Cooperation: India has a long-standing tradition of military cooperation and defense engagements with Vietnam. Vietnam recognizes India's experience in dealing with regional security challenges and values the expertise and support it can offer in building its defense capabilities. Cooperation with India allows Vietnam to access advanced military equipment, technology, training, and capacity-building support to strengthen its defense forces.

4. Regional Balance and Deterrence: Vietnam aims to maintain a balance of power in the region and ensure that no single country dominates or unilaterally asserts its influence. By engaging with countries like India, Vietnam seeks to forge strategic partnerships that can collectively counterbalance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Collaborative efforts among regional powers can serve as a deterrence against any potential aggression or unilateral actions by China.

5. Diplomatic Support: Vietnam seeks diplomatic support from like-minded nations to address its concerns over China's assertive actions. By engaging with India and other countries that share similar concerns, Vietnam can raise awareness about its security issues on international platforms, fostering a collective response to Chinese assertiveness.

It's important to note that Vietnam pursues a multi-faceted foreign policy, engaging with various nations, including China, based on its national interests. Seeking assistance from India against China is just one aspect of its broader diplomatic strategy aimed at protecting its sovereignty, promoting regional stability, and maintaining a favorable balance of power in the region.

India can provide several types of military assistance to Vietnam, including:

1. Training and Capacity Building: India can offer training programs and expertise to enhance the professional skills and capabilities of the Vietnamese armed forces. This can encompass a wide range of areas such as combat operations, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, naval operations, and aviation.

2. Defense Equipment and Technology: India has the capability to provide military equipment, technology, and systems to Vietnam. This includes weapons, surveillance equipment, radar systems, communication systems, and other defense-related technologies. The transfer of such equipment can enhance Vietnam's defense capabilities and readiness.

3. Maritime Security Cooperation: Given their shared concerns about maritime security, India can collaborate with Vietnam in areas such as maritime domain awareness, joint patrolling, information sharing, and coordination in the South China Sea. This cooperation can help safeguard their maritime interests and deter potential threats in the region.

4. Defense Industry Collaboration: India can engage in defense industry collaboration with Vietnam, including joint production, technology transfer, and research and development projects. This collaboration can promote self-reliance in defense production and enhance Vietnam's defense industrial capabilities.

5. Intelligence Sharing: India can share intelligence and information related to regional security threats and developments with Vietnam. This collaboration can help Vietnam stay informed about potential risks and take proactive measures to address security challenges.

6. Strategic Consultations and Dialogues: India can engage in regular strategic consultations and dialogues with Vietnam to discuss defense and security matters. This facilitates a deeper understanding of each other's security concerns and helps formulate joint strategies and responses to regional security challenges.

7. Military Exercises and Exchanges: India and Vietnam can conduct joint military exercises to improve interoperability, enhance coordination, and share best practices. These exercises provide an opportunity for both countries to learn from each other's experiences and strengthen their defense cooperation.

It is important to note that the nature and extent of military assistance depend on various factors, including the specific needs and priorities of Vietnam, the strategic objectives of both countries, and the existing bilateral agreements and understandings between India and Vietnam.

India can potentially supply various types of military equipment to Vietnam

India can potentially supply various types of military equipment to Vietnam, based on their bilateral agreements and defense cooperation. Some examples of military equipment that India could provide to Vietnam include:

1. Naval Vessels: India has a range of naval vessels that it could supply to Vietnam, such as patrol boats, frigates, or corvettes. These vessels could enhance Vietnam's maritime surveillance and defense capabilities in the South China Sea.

2. Aircraft and Helicopters: India has a diverse fleet of aircraft and helicopters that it could offer to Vietnam. This may include fighter jets, transport aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, or helicopters for various purposes, including aerial surveillance, transportation, and combat support.

3. Radar Systems: India possesses advanced radar systems that could assist Vietnam in bolstering its air defense and early warning capabilities. These radar systems can detect and track aircraft, missiles, and other airborne threats.

4. Communication Systems: India could provide advanced communication systems to Vietnam, enabling secure and efficient communication networks within the Vietnamese armed forces. These systems are vital for effective coordination and command and control operations.

5. Surveillance and Reconnaissance Equipment: India can supply surveillance and reconnaissance equipment such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or surveillance drones. These assets are crucial for gathering intelligence, monitoring activities in the maritime domain, and enhancing situational awareness.

6. Small Arms and Ammunition: India can supply small arms, rifles, pistols, and ammunition to support Vietnam's infantry and special forces. These weapons are essential for the defense of land-based assets and for equipping military personnel.

7. Training and Maintenance Support: In addition to equipment supply, India can provide training support, technical assistance, and maintenance services to ensure the smooth operation and upkeep of the supplied military equipment.

It's important to note that the specific types and quantities of military equipment that India can supply to Vietnam depend on several factors, including bilateral agreements, defense cooperation frameworks, technological capabilities, and strategic considerations of both countries. The procurement and transfer of military equipment also need to comply with relevant international laws, regulations, and export control regimes.