HCMC – A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at Tao Dan Park in HCMC on October 17, marking a significant step in strengthening the India-Vietnam relationship.
The event was attended by the Consul Generals of Indonesia and Sweden, leaders from the HCMC Food and Foodstuff Association, and the Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam, along with Vietnamese government officials, among others.
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, said that the relationship between India and Vietnam was established during Vietnam’s President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to India in 1958.
He noted that bilateral ties have remained strong and have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in 2016.
Duong Anh Duc, vice chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, highlighted the event’s importance in strengthening the long-standing relationship between Vietnam and India. Duc also pointed out the similarities between the leadership philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and President Ho Chi Minh, emphasizing both nations’ commitment to fostering bilateral relations.
“I am confident that the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in New Delhi and that of Mahatma Gandhi in HCMC not only honor these great heroes but also serve as symbols of our national cultures. They remind the future generations of a time when our forefathers fought together for independence, freedom, and peace for both countries and humanity at large,” Duc said.
The inauguration event signifies the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Vietnam, underpinned by shared history and values.
