The Indian Embassy in Viet Nam inaugurated an Indian cultural centre in Ha Noi on the evening of April 20, as part of activities marking the two countries’ 45 year diplomatic ties (January 7, 1972-2017) and 10 year strategic partnership (2007-2017).
The inauguration ceremony featured traditional dances of India performed by Vietnamese, who were trained at the centre.
Speaking at the event, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Vijay Kumar Singh, who is in a 4-day visit to Viet Nam, thanked the Vietnamese Government and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for facilitating the Indian Embassy to open the centre.
He said the birth of the centre is a proof of the growing Viet Nam - India ties, which he described as dating back more than 2,000 years, when Indian monks travelled to Viet Nam to promote Buddhism.
The Indian Cultural Centre will contribute to the preservation and promotion of heritage and values cherished by both nations, the official noted.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Khanh Hai said the centre has affirmed effective cultural cooperation between Viet Nam and India and contributes to strengthening bilateral friendship and strategic partnership.
The facility will introduce Indian cultural features, such as dances and yoga, to Vietnamese people, and boost cultural exchanges and tourism, he added.