Indian Independence Day celebrated in HCM City

Huynh Thanh Lap, chairman of the Vietnam - India Friendship Association (VIFA) in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted the long-lasting time-honoured  friendship between both nations. He noted that the two countries have always offered mutual support in their respective historical struggles for national independence, as well as in the current national construction and development process.

Lap expressed his desire to for further co-ordination and support from the Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the Indian Business Association in Vietnam to launch people-to-people events in the southern city. This will contribute to consolidating and developing the sound traditional friendship and solidarity that exists between the two nations.

In response, Madan Mohan Sethi, consul general of India in Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed that Vietnam remains India’s most important partner in Southeast Asia.

According to the diplomat, now is the most appropriate time for both sides to further enhance co-operation activities, especially economic, political, and security-defence ties, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

He revealed that the implementation of a broad range of activities to mark the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties, such as cultural, arts, and cinema exchange activities, as well as promoting tourism and investment co-operation. Other activities include people-to-people exchanges, saying that these events can serve to further deepen understanding and the relationship between the two countries, as well as between India and Ho Chi Minh City.

The diplomat therefore promised to do his utmost and work closely with HUFO to effectively conduct people-to-people exchanges and actively contribute to taking the bilateral relations to new heights.