The event was jointly held by the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the Indian Embassy in Vietnam. It is one of activities marking the 45th anniversary of the full diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Truong Minh Tuan, Minister of Information and Communications and also chairman of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, recalled that Indian monks introduced Buddhism to Vietnam two thousand years ago. Religious ties aside, Vietnam and India share a time-honoured friendship, and have always assisted each other in all aspects from domestic issues in each country to international events, the minister said.

Minister Tuan said this cultural activity contributed to the friendship between people of the two countries and the diplomatic relations between the two countries, he also expressed his belief the Vietnam-India traditional relationship would continue developing.

He underlined that the event, which will take place from March 16-19, has many special Buddhist rituals carried out by Gyalwang Drukpa and nearly 100 Drukpa monks and nuns from India.

On behalf of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Vice President of the VBS Executive Council, said he hopes the activities would enhance faith and mutual understanding in practicing Buddhist teachings. 

The event is also an occasion for monks, nuns and followers to learn and exchange experience and methods of practicing India Buddhism.

India’s Ambassador to Vietnam Parvathaneni Harish said the India Buddhism Culture Days is a good opportunity to help the relationship between Vietnam and India be closer; provides a chance for Indian and Vietnamese Buddhist followers to exchange as well as promote Buddhist teachings for peace, prosperity and harmony across the world.