The Indian Embassy in Hanoi on August 15 held a ceremony to mark the 66th anniversary of India’s Independence Day (August 15, 1947-2013).

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc emphasised that India’s victory 66 years ago was a great encouragement and inspiration for the national independence movement in Asia and the world. Since then, India has recorded a number of achievements in various fields, he noted.

Vietnam and India have long shared a traditional friendship, which was initiated and nurtured by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he said.

The diplomat said that in recent years, their bilateral ties have developed unceasingly, especially after they set up their strategic partnership in June 2007.

The two sides have realised cooperation in all realms, ranging from politics and economics to culture, education, science and technology, he noted.

In 2012, the two countries successfully held the Vietnam-India Friendship Year to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of their full diplomatic ties and 5 years since their strategic partnership was established, he added.

Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae, who is to finish his office term in Vietnam, said he believes that the strategic partnership will further flourish and reap more achievements for the practical benefit of both sides and for peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and the world.