HCM City (VNA) – The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) held a gathering on August 13 to celebrate the 79th anniversary of India’s Independence Day (August 15, 1947 – 2025), aiming to further strengthen ties between the people of Ho Chi Minh City and India.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam–India Friendship Association Huynh Thanh Lap highlighted the historical significance of August 15, 1947, saying that under the leadership of leader Mahatma Gandhi, the people of India gained independence, marking a milestone in the nation’s history. Over the past 79 years, India has made remarkable progress in various fields, becoming an active and responsible member of the international community and a comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, especially after their upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016, Vietnam–India relations have achieved significant progress, with strategic trust continuously strengthened through close cooperation between sectors and localities, along with regular high-level meetings.
At the local level, successive leaders of HCM City have paid due attention to fostering Vietnam–India friendship. Under their guidance and support, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries in the city have flourished across trade, tourism, culture, and education. Such activities have deepened ties and mutual understanding while bringing tangible benefits to the people of both nations.
Indian Consul General in HCM City Vipra Pandey thanked HUFO for organising the celebration, describing it as a vivid demonstration of the warm friendship and deep affection between the people of Vietnam and India. He stressed that the two countries are bound by history, shared values, and common aspirations, linked since the spread of Buddhism more than 2,000 years ago and united in their struggles for independence.
The diplomat noted that over the past two decades, India–Vietnam ties have grown significantly, becoming a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Politically, leaders frequently meet to build trust and shape a shared vision for peace and prosperity. Economically, bilateral trade has multiplied, with enterprises cooperating in sectors such as energy, technology, and agriculture. Trade turnover has risen from a few hundred million USD in the early 2000s to over 15 billion USD in 2024. Cultural exchanges are also vibrant, with many meaningful activities.
He added that what makes the friendship between the two peoples special is the warmth and mutual respect they share. Indian visitors feel at home in Vietnam, while the Vietnamese community in India is also held in high regard. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that India–Vietnam relations will continue to grow stronger, building a future based on friendship, trust, and cooperation.
The gathering took place in a warm and festive atmosphere, featuring traditional performances from both Vietnam and India by students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City./.
