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| The delegates perform the ritual of lighting lamps to wish for peace and happiness for everyone, reflecting the humanistic philosophy of the Indian people. (Photo: hcmcpv.org.vn) |
In his speech at the meeting, Huynh Thanh Lap, Chairman of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City, said that over the past 78 years, the Indian people have achieved significant accomplishments in various aspects of nation-building and development. Today, India has a strong influence in the region and around the world, playing an active and responsible role in the international community, and is a comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam.
According to Mr. Lap, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, especially since upgrading to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016, Vietnam-India relations have made great strides, continuously strengthened through close cooperation across various sectors, localities, and regular high-level exchanges.
Currently, India is one of Vietnam's seven comprehensive strategic partners. The traditional and friendly relationship has been built over many years, with significant achievements attained in recent times. In terms of investment, as of April 2024, India has 402 investment projects in Vietnam, with total registered capital reaching USD1.021 billion, ranking 26th among 141 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.
On behalf of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City, he expressed gratitude to the Indian Consulate General, Indian Business Chamber in Hanoi (INCHAM), and the Vietnam – India Friendship Association (VIFA) chapters for successfully organizing various people-to-people exchange activities between Vietnam and India in Ho Chi Minh City over the years. He also expressed the desire to continue collaborating to organize more people-to-people diplomatic events. Among these, the city will continue to coordinate with the Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to organize the annual International Day of Yoga, strengthen connections, and further promote cooperation between yoga centers of the two countries, as well as bilateral exchanges in traditional medicine, including medicinal plants. Additionally, cultural exchanges and external information cooperation will be enhanced to spread the beautiful image and cultural essence of Vietnam to India, contributing to strengthening the Vietnam-India friendship.
Madan Mohan Sethi, Indian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City, stated that over the past 78 years since gaining independence, India has made remarkable progress in all areas, including social, economic, political, and cultural fields. India is on track to become the third-largest economy by 2030. India is increasingly attracting global investors with favorable policies and an improved business environment, drawing major multinational corporations to invest in both traditional and advanced sectors.
Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi affirmed that India and Vietnam are connected not only by a shared history but also by common values of peace, cooperation and mutual respect. In the coming time, Vietnam and India will strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership across various fields, including politics, defense, security, economic cooperation, trade, and more practical and effective investment. Science and technology cooperation, as well as cultural, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, will also be further enhanced.
On this occasion, the Vietnam-India Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City inaugurated the Vietnam-India Friendship Chapter of the Ho Chi Minh Museum's Ho Chi Minh City branch./.