Admiral Kumar hoped that INS Kirpan would continue to navigate the vast seas, "upholding the principles of freedom, justice, and international rules-based order to be the pillar around which a 'force for good' be built".
His comments come in the backdrop of China's increasing military muscle flexing in the South China Sea.
Advertisement"As we entrust INS Kirpan to the Vietnam Navy, we do so with complete confidence in their ability to operate and maintain this magnificent vessel," the Navy Chief said.
"We are certain that they will harness its immense potential to safeguard their national maritime interests, contribute to regional security, and foster peace and stability," he added.
INS Kirpan was handed over to Vietnam after it was decommissioned from Indian Navy.
"On completing 32 years of illustrious service to the nation, Indian naval ship Kirpan has been decommissioned from the Indian Navy and handed over to VPN today," the Indian Navy said in a statement.
INS Kirpan, since its commissioning in 1991, has been an integral part of Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet and has participated in many operations over the last 32 years.
Manned by about 12 officers and 100 sailors, the ship is 90 metres long and 10.45 metres in width with maximum displacement of 1,450 tons.
"The transfer of INS Kirpan from Indian Navy to Vietnam People's Navy, symbolises the status of Indian Navy of being the 'preferred security partner in the Indian Ocean Region," the Indian Navy said.
INS Kirpan, an indigenously built Khukri-class missile corvette, was handed over to Vietnam in line with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's announcement last month that India will gift an in-service missile corvette to the country.
INS Kirpan departed on her final journey under the Indian tricolour from India to Vietnam on June 28 and reached Cam Ranh, Vietnam, on July 8.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
