Education, culture and research exchanges move to the forefront as Hanoi and New Delhi seek to deepen strategic ties
Sumana Adak, UK
(Asian independent) India and Vietnam have pledged to strengthen people-to-people engagement, educational exchanges and cultural cooperation as the two countries seek to deepen their Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) President Phan Anh Son and Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Shering Wangchuk Sherpa in Hanoi. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation among universities, research institutions, cultural organisations and business groups, while promoting closer ties between the peoples of the two countries. Ambassador Sherpa commended VUFO and the Vietnam-India Friendship Association for their role in fostering bilateral friendship and said the Indian Embassy would continue supporting partnerships in education, research and cultural exchange. Phan Anh Son stressed that people-to-people contacts are essential for building lasting cooperation and called for greater exchanges among academic, business and cultural institutions. The two sides also explored opportunities for delegation visits, academic partnerships, cultural programmes and stronger economic cooperation. Plans for future workshops, roundtable discussions and dialogue forums were also reviewed. Observers say the growing emphasis on public engagement reflects the evolving nature of Vietnam-India relations, which have expanded significantly in recent years across trade, investment, defence and technology. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and advance practical initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral ties through education, culture, research and social connectivity. The discussions underscored a shared determination to build a broader and more sustainable partnership extending beyond traditional diplomatic and economic cooperation.
