Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) meets with Vietnamese Buddhists (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with monks and nuns studying at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hanoi on September 3 as part of his visit to Vietnam, which began on September 2.
Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council, highlighted the development of Buddhism in Vietnam , saying the religion always plays a crucial role in tightening the friendship between the two countries.
He said Indian monks were the first to introduce Buddhism to Vietnam via marine trade routes, creating cultural links between the two nations.
Buddhism has become an indispensable component of Vietnam ’s culture over the past 2,000 years, he added.
The Vietnam – India friendship has been reinforced based on the foundation laid by first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Ho Chi Minh, he said.
He expressed his belief that India will be more prosperous and play a key role in building peace, stability, and development in the region and around the world, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian PM told monks and nuns that the world needs peace and pursuing peace will bring happiness for all.
He stressed that Buddhism brings hopes, lights, beliefs and peace and expressed his hopes to welcome more Vietnamese monks and nuns to study Buddhism in India.-VNA
