This is the third festival to be hosted by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) and the India-Vietnam Friendship Association.

The five-day festival is a chance for Vietnam to introduce the Indian people to its socio-economic achievements and its intention to develop the close bond between the two nations, which will help increase bilateral cooperation in economics, investment and trade.

VUFO Vice Chairman Tran Dac Loi said that Vietnam and India have had a special relationship ever since former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Neru became the first foreign government leader to visit Hanoi and met with late President Ho Chi Minh after the capital had been liberated from the French colonial rule.

The solidarity and mutual support during both their struggles for national independence have kept the two countries closely connected, Mr Loi said, adding both people share the same belief in peace, justice and humanitarianism and both have to cope with challenges to security, climate change and financial issues.

During their visit, the Vietnamese delegation will also meet with representatives from various Indian political parties, take part in a workshop on Vietnam-India relations and attend a concert of traditional music.