In alignment with India's MAHASAGAR vision, the Indian Navy's hydrographic survey vessel, INS Darshak, made a port call in Ho Chi Minh City to bolster hydrographic collaboration with Vietnam, the Indian Navy announced via a tweet on Monday. The official tweet from @SpokespersonNavy stated: “In line with the #MAHASAGAR vision of India, #IndianNavy’s hydrography vessel #INSDarshak visited #HoChiMinh City to strengthen India-Vietnam hydrographic cooperation. #BridgesofFriendship @SpokespersonMoD @MEAIndia.”

This visit is part of broader initiatives aimed at reinforcing maritime cooperation and strengthening strategic ties between India and Vietnam in the Indo-Pacific region. During the port call, INS Darshak’s Commanding Officer, Capt C Praveen Thomas, along with Defence Attaché Col S Muthukrishnan, paid tribute to Vietnam’s founding father by laying a wreath at the statue of Ho Chi Minh.

The ship welcomed onboard personnel from the Vietnam People's Navy, Vietnam Border Guard, senior Vietnamese officials, and members of the Indian community. Guests were introduced to the ship’s advanced hydrographic survey systems, which support maritime safety and nautical charting in the region. Technical demonstrations and professional exchanges were held, along with a friendly volleyball match to build camaraderie among the naval crews.

A cultural reception was also hosted on the ship’s deck, where the Consul General and ship’s captain welcomed dignitaries including Senior Captain Trieu Thanh Tung and Mr. Le Van Dieng. The visit underscores the growing India-Vietnam maritime cooperation and shared commitment to regional security and hydrography under the MAHASAGAR vision.

India and Vietnam maintain close and longstanding ties, which were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2016 visit to Vietnam. Their relationship is now guided by the “Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People,” adopted during a virtual summit between PM Modi and then Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on December 21, 2020.