The Indian Embassy in Vietnam inaugurated an Indian cultural centre in Hanoi 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 Vietnam, 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 Vietnam – India ties, which he described as dating back more than 2,000 years, when Indian monks travelled to Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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.

VNA