Vietnam President To Lam begins state visit in spiritual Gaya

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary formally received Vietnamese President To Lam at Gaya airport this Tuesday, marking the start of a high-profile three-day state visit to India. This arrival carries immense diplomatic weight as it is the first official trip by To Lam since he assumed the presidency and the dual role of General Secretary of the Communist Party.

Spiritual Start in Bodh Gaya

Accompanied by a senior delegation, the President proceeded directly to the Mahabodhi Temple to offer prayers. This site holds profound significance for Vietnam, where a majority of the population follows Mahayana Buddhism, a tradition with deep roots in the ancient Magadha region of Bihar. Monks at the temple greeted the leader with traditional honors, presenting a ceremonial scarf before he participated in sacred rituals under the Bodhi tree.

Samrat Choudhary noted that hosting the Vietnamese leader in the cultural hub of Gaya reinforces the "Act East" policy. This visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. After concluding his spiritual engagements, the President will depart for New Delhi to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions are expected to focus on defence cooperation, trade, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

Vietnam remains a critical partner for India in Southeast Asia, particularly as bilateral trade has recently surged toward 15 billion USD. This visit serves as a bridge between shared civilizational heritage and modern geopolitical interests.

With Inputs from Agency threads and Image Courtesy: ANI