Bodh Gaya, May 5: Vietnamese President To Lam has arrived in Bodh Gaya, India, marking the beginning of his three-day visit to the country. This site is renowned as the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. During his visit, President To Lam offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple.
Upon his arrival, he received a warm welcome from Bihar’s Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary. The Chief Minister expressed optimism that this visit would further strengthen the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam. He shared on social media platform ‘X’ that it is a matter of pride to welcome the President in a spiritually and culturally significant city like Gaya, and he believes this historic visit will elevate the relationship between the two nations to new heights.
In 2011, To Lam planted a Bodhi tree brought from Bodh Gaya at the Phat Tich Pagoda in Vietnam. This visit marks his first trip to India since assuming the presidency.
On May 6, he will receive a formal welcome at the Presidential Palace, followed by extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral relations, regional, and global issues.
President Droupadi Murmu is also scheduled to meet with the Vietnamese President, along with other leaders.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the itinerary includes events in Bodh Gaya and Mumbai, among other locations. The ministry stated that discussions between the leaders of both countries would provide new momentum to bilateral relations and open up new avenues for cooperation.
On April 7, Prime Minister Modi congratulated To Lam on his election as President and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
The Ministry also highlighted the historical and civilizational ties between India and Vietnam, which have strengthened over time. This visit coincides with the tenth anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership established during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Vietnam in 2016.
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