Vietnam - India Friendship Association of Binh Duong established
	Two chapters of Vietnam-India Friendship Association of Hanoi established

The Vietnam-India Friendship Association, established on November 11, 1982, holds significant political importance, marking a new development in the traditional solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between the two countries.

Indian artists perform at the 11th Vietnam - India People's Friendship Festival. (Photo: VNA)

At the inaugural ceremony, the association received numerous congratulatory messages from Indian social organizations, notably from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Central Executive Committee of the association includes a diverse range of members, including political, social, religious activists, scientists, artists, and businesspeople.

The Vietnam-India Friendship Association has closely collaborated with Indian friendship organizations to organize widespread cultural exchange events in both countries. The first Vietnam-India People’s Friendship Festival, jointly organized by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the All India Peace and Solidarity Organization (AIPSO) in 2007, set a favorable precedent for organizing people-to-people exchange activities in both countries.

The series of unique cultural and artistic events at festivals in Indian states and Vietnamese provinces and cities have attracted thousands of participants, thereby effectively promoting mutual cultural understanding.

In December 2023, the 11th Vietnam-India People’s Friendship Festival, themed "Strengthening Friendship at All Levels within the Framework of the Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" was solemnly held in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, southern India.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice President of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association Ha Minh Hue emphasized that the large participation of delegates including intellectuals, artists, and peace, solidarity, and friendship organizations from both countries created an open forum, contributing to promoting the traditional friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

In addition, the Vietnam-India Friendship Association’s chapters at various Vietnamese agencies and organizations have organized numerous cultural exchange activities, including introducing and teaching Indian classical dance; publishing textbooks on Indian culture; maintaining close relationships with Indian universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University, the National School of Drama; organizing book exhibitions on India, and sharing library experiences with Indian partners.

Annually, the Vietnam-India Friendship Association organizes numerous activities, including meetings, gatherings, seminars, exhibitions, and film screenings in Hanoi and other cities nationwide to commemorate significant Indian holidays.

The association also collaborates with Vietnamese publishers to release stamps and books introducing India, such as the autobiography of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the book titled "Discovery of India" by the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, books introducing Mahatma Gandhi, and Tagore's poetry.

The 50th anniversary of Vietnam-India diplomatic relations was organized by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam-India Friendship Association in coordination with the Indian Embassy in Vietnam, in January 2022. (Photo: Nhan Dan)

Speaking at the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and India (January 7, 1972 - January 7, 2022) held in Hanoi, Nguyen Manh Hung, Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications, President of the Vietnam - India Friendship Association affirmed that as the core force in promoting the friendship between the peoples of the two countries, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam - India Friendship Association, along with Indian friendship associations have made significant contributions in 50 years of developing bilateral diplomatic relations.

The minister highlighted that many good initiatives with diverse forms have been implemented to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen solidarity between the people of the two countries. Many cultural exchange programs, trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences, and seminars introducing the historical traditions, customs, and socio-economic development of each country have been organized.

Furthermore, numerous literary and artistic works have been edited, translated, and published. The media agencies of the two countries have increased the publication of news, articles, and images about each other's lands and peoples.

Nguyen Manh Hung stated that the friendship associations of the two countries will continue to innovate and diversify their activities in the coming time. In the current information society era, the friendship associations will take full advantage of digital platforms, thereby enhancing online cultural and artistic exchanges, and building digital libraries, digital museums, and digital tourism of each other.

Additionally, the associations need to continue promoting the selection and translation of books, documents, and literary works into the languages of Vietnam and India to bring the culture and knowledge of each country to the public.

He also emphasized the need to prioritize facilitating youth and student exchange programs. "For the past 50 years, the friendship between the two countries has been nurtured by many generations. In the next 50 years, mutual understanding and the connection of the younger generations of both countries will be crucial to further strengthen and develop the solidarity between the peoples of the two countries," said the minister.

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