India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, embarked on a momentous official visit to Vietnam, which not only strengthened bilateral relations but also served as a celebration of enduring principles and cultural connections rooted in Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. The visit symbolized the profound ties between India and Vietnam and their joint commitment to addressing global challenges.
One of the notable highlights of Jaishankar’s visit to Vietnam was the unveiling ceremony of a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Ho Chi Minh City. During his address, Jaishankar emphasized the symbolic significance of this event, underlining Gandhi’s worldwide recognition for his principles of truth, non-violence, and freedom.
Jaishankar emphasized Gandhi’s pivotal role in unifying India during its struggle for independence and his continued influence on nations and people worldwide. The minister also highlighted the lasting impact of Gandhi’s ideals, citing examples such as India’s Swachh Bharat Mission and efforts to address gender disparities.
Throughout his visit, Jaishankar engaged in a series of diplomatic meetings, which further fortified the India-Vietnam partnership. He met with Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen, acknowledging the city’s substantial contribution to bilateral relations. This highlighted the significance of the India-Vietnam partnership extending beyond the political capitals to regional cities.
The External Affairs Minister also had a crucial meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. During this meeting, he conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his appreciation for Chinh’s guidance on enhancing bilateral relations, underscoring India’s commitment to nurturing ties with Vietnam at the highest levels.
Jaishankar’s discussions with Le Hoai Trung, Chairman of the External Relation Commission of the Communist Party of Vietnam, highlighted the convergent approach of India and Vietnam on key regional and global issues. This shared perspective bodes well for future collaborations on issues of mutual concern, including regional stability and climate change.
The official visit to Vietnam was extended at the invitation of his counterpart, Bui Thanh Son, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, emphasizing the warmth and significance of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
In addition to the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi’s bust, Jaishankar also revealed the bust of Rabindranath Tagore in Bac Ninh province. Tagore, a distinguished poet and philosopher, occupies a special place in the hearts of Indians and has left an indelible mark on world literature. This event served as a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and its cultural connections with Vietnam.
The visit extended beyond formal diplomacy, allowing Jaishankar to enjoy a performance by the Quan Ho Art Theater group. This cultural exchange deepened people-to-people connections and fostered a greater appreciation of each other’s heritage.