Talking to the press after a welcoming ceremony, Colonel Atul Deswal conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Vietnamese people over the passing of President Tran Dai Quang, saying that India is always standing side by side with Vietnam.

During their stay in Vietnam, Indian officers and crewmembers will pay courtesy visits to the leaders of HCM City People’s Committee and Military Zone 7 and take part in sport and defence exchanges with Vietnamese counterparts.

The Vietnam Youth Union and students of Nguyen Du Junior Secondary School will carry out a visit to the Rajput-class destroyer, INS Rana.