Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Centre for Vietnam Studies (Photo: VNA) New Delhi (VNA) – India’s Institute of Social Sciences inaugurated its Centre for Vietnam Studies on May 15 in New Delhi.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, stated the Vietnam – India friendship has been based on their differences, similarities and common benefits over the centuries.
She recalled that as part of then President of India Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to Vietnam in 2014, a Centre for India Studies was founded under the local Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.
She stated that today, Vietnam is not only a trustworthy friend of India but also a key pillar in India’s Act East policy and an important partner of the country in ASEAN.
In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh said the launch of the centre is significant to growing relations between the two countries, which were established by the late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and late Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
He said potential for extending bilateral strategic and comprehensive cooperation is huge, stressing the important role of scientists and researchers in the process.
The group will help the two countries identify opportunities and challenges to realise goals for their partnership, he added.
According to him, the Centre for India Studies in Vietnam has held various activities helping Vietnamese understand more about India and contributing to Vietnam – India relations.
The Centre for Vietnam Studies could do the same for bilateral ties, he noted.
The Vietnam Embassy in India will do its best to support the centre, particularly in its early stages, the diplomat affirmed.
On the occasion, the centre launched its website and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre for India Studies in Vietnam.-VNA
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