Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu commenced his four-day official visit to Vietnam on 9 May 2019. His visit comes after a series of high-level exchanges between India-Vietnam in 2018 which include visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister in January and President in March to India.
Key Highlights of Visit
- The Vice President will participate in 16th United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV) at Tam Chuc pagoda in northern Ha Nam province of Vietnam. He will also deliver keynote address at inaugural session of event, themed for which is “Buddhist Approach to Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies”.
- This visit is expected to enhance India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Southeast Asian nation, Vietnam.
- He will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, to pay homage to Former Prime Minister (and also President) of Vietnam.
- He will meet Indian community and Vietnamese beneficiaries of ‘Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment Camp’ organized in 2018 by India under ‘India for Humanity’ initiative. It was launched to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
- He will pay tributes to martyrs at National Monument of Heroes and Martyrs (Vietnam’s War Memorial).
- He will also meet Nguyen Kim Thi Ngan, Chairperson of National Assembly of Vietnam (Vietnam’s Legislative Assembly).
- He will interact with Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh, Vice President of Vietnam and hold delegation level talks.
- High level talks will discuss issues including: trade and investment relations between two nation, exploring opportunities in oil and gas sectors, giving better market access to India’s exports, mutual cooperation in defence and space technologies, training and capacity building of Vietnamese defence forces, seeking support for Indian Pharmaceutical facilities in Vietnam and strengthening of cultural bonds between two nations.
About 16th United Nations Day of Vesak
- Vesak (also known as Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima) is celebrated to commemorate birth of Lord Buddha, his attainment of enlightenment (nirvana) and his passing away. It’s date changes every year based on lunar calendar.
- It is considered sacred to Buddhists.
- Indian Vice President’s participation at event is expected to strengthen ties between India and Buddhist communities worldwide.
It is expected to be attended by more than 10,000 Buddhist followers, 1,500 religious dignitaries, scientists and researchers from all over the world.