Daily Current Affairs : 24-July-2023

In a historic development, the Indian Navy decommissioned the INS Kirpan, an indigenously built Khukri-class missile corvette, and handed it over to the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) in a goodwill gesture. This marks the first instance of India gifting a fully operational corvette to a Friendly Foreign Country, signifying the growing importance of naval cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

INS Kirpan: An Overview

The INS Kirpan, part of the Khukri class corvettes, was the third vessel of its kind. These corvettes were equipped with Diesel Engines assembled in India, under license by the Kirloskar Group. With a length of 90 meters and a width of 10.45 meters, the INS Kirpan boasted a maximum displacement of 1450 tons. Manned by a dedicated crew of approximately 12 officers and 100 sailors, the ship was armed with an array of advanced weapons and sensors.

Its commendable 32-year service in the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet since its commissioning in 1991 showcased its reliability and operational capabilities. Throughout its tenure, INS Kirpan played crucial roles in various operational and humanitarian assistance missions, further strengthening its legacy within the Indian Navy.

Significance of the Transfer

The transfer of INS Kirpan from the Indian Navy to the Vietnam People’s Navy carries profound implications for the regional maritime security landscape. It represents India’s commitment to being the “Preferred Security Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region, emphasizing the nation’s role in ensuring stability and safeguarding the interests of its friendly neighbors.

Additionally, this gesture is a reflection of India’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which translates to “The World is One Family.” It also resonates with the concept of “Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR),” highlighting India’s focus on fostering a safe and prosperous environment for all countries in the region.

Enhanced Bilateral Relations

The transfer of INS Kirpan serves as a catalyst for strengthening the existing bilateral relations between India and Vietnam. Both nations share historical ties, and this strategic move reinforces the commitment towards mutual cooperation and partnership in the maritime domain. By sharing naval assets, India and Vietnam demonstrate trust and confidence in each other, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.

This cooperation is expected to result in:

  1. Increased Maritime Security: By sharing resources and intelligence, India and Vietnam can collectively combat maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling, thus enhancing the safety and security of their respective sea lanes.
  2. Joint Exercises and Training: The transfer of INS Kirpan opens opportunities for joint naval exercises and training sessions between the two countries. Such interactions facilitate the exchange of knowledge, tactics, and best practices, ultimately improving the capabilities of both navies.
  3. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: With shared naval assets, India and Vietnam can respond more effectively to humanitarian crises and natural disasters in the region. Cooperation in disaster relief efforts will underscore their commitment to the well-being of the people in the Indian Ocean Region.

Important Points:

  • The INS Kirpan, an indigenously built Khukri-class missile corvette, was decommissioned from the Indian Navy and gifted to the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN).
  • This marks the first instance of India gifting a fully operational corvette to a Friendly Foreign Country.
  • INS Kirpan had been an integral part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet since its commissioning in 1991 and participated in various operational and humanitarian assistance operations over 32 years.
  • The corvette was equipped with Diesel Engines assembled in India under license by the Kirloskar Group and had advanced weapons and sensors.
  • The transfer of INS Kirpan to the VPN symbolizes India’s status as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region, enhancing bilateral relations between the two navies.
  • It reflects India’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family) and ‘Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)’.
  • The transfer fosters increased maritime security in the region, with joint efforts to combat piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling.
  • It opens opportunities for joint naval exercises and training sessions, improving the capabilities of both navies.
  • The shared naval assets enable more effective responses to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
  • The cooperation between India and Vietnam reinforces trust, mutual respect, and commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
Why In News


The INS Kirpan, after being decommissioned from the Indian Navy, found a new purpose as it was gracefully handed over to the Vietnam People’s Navy, along with a comprehensive weapon complement, fortifying their maritime capabilities.This historic gesture marks a significant milestone, as it represents the first time India has bestowed a fully operational corvette upon a Friendly Foreign Country, strengthening the bilateral ties and cooperation between the two nations in the realm of maritime defense.

MCQs about INS Kirpan’s Transfer

  1. What is the significance of transferring INS Kirpan from the Indian Navy to the Vietnam People’s Navy?
    A. It marks the first-ever decommissioning of a Khukri-class missile corvette.
    B. It symbolizes India’s role as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region.
    C. It signifies the complete withdrawal of India’s naval presence in the Eastern Fleet.
    D. It highlights the ship’s historical ties to both India and Vietnam.
    Correct Answer: B. It symbolizes India’s role as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region.
    Explanation: The transfer of INS Kirpan to the Vietnam People’s Navy symbolizes India’s status as the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring stability and safeguarding the interests of friendly neighboring countries.
  2. What vision does the transfer of INS Kirpan resonate with?
    A. “Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)”
    B. “Make in India”
    C. “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India)
    D. “Satyamev Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs)
    Correct Answer: A. “Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR)”
    Explanation: The transfer of INS Kirpan resonates with India’s vision of “Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR),” which underscores India’s focus on fostering a safe and prosperous environment for all countries in the region.
  3. What opportunities does the transfer of INS Kirpan offer to India and Vietnam?
    A. Enhanced intelligence sharing for land-based security.
    B. Joint exercises and training to improve naval capabilities.
    C. Collaboration in space exploration missions.
    D. Cooperation in renewable energy projects.
    Correct Answer: B. Joint exercises and training to improve naval capabilities.
    Explanation: The transfer of INS Kirpan opens opportunities for joint naval exercises and training sessions between India and Vietnam, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, tactics, and best practices, ultimately improving the capabilities of both navies.

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