Vietnam-India Friendship Festival: Celebrating the Spirit of People-to-People Diplomacy
K Anil Kumar
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DIPLOMACY is often associated with formal interactions between governments in the realm of international relations. However, Vietnam – a nation that has endured immense hardships under colonialism and imperialism at the hands of both France and the United States – places immense value on fostering connections between its people and the people of other nations. This approach underscores Vietnam's belief in the power of unity and collective struggle against foreign aggression. To this end, Vietnam has been actively nurturing the concept of people-to-people diplomacy, a cornerstone initiative celebrated during India-Vietnam friendship festivals.
The 12th India-Vietnam People’s Festival exemplified this spirit and was held in Vietnam from December 16 to 21, 2024. The six-day celebrations began in Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital, with a heartfelt friendship talk organised by the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO) in collaboration with the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the Vietnam-India Friendship Association (VIFA).
Dr Phan An Son presided over the inaugural function, offering fresh insights into Vietnam’s aspirations and perspectives. Representing India, Harchand Singh Bhatt, one of the general secretaries of AIPSO, led a delegation that included members from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Indian National Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) of Tamil Nadu.
The previous festival hosted in India took place in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, organised by their respective AIPSO state committees. The delegation to Vietnam included leaders from both states and cultural groups showcasing diverse forms of Indian art, such as Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam, Karakattam, Ammankudum, and a fusion of dance and orchestra.
The Indian delegation comprised K Anilkumar, vice president of AIPSO, senior trade union leader and national vice president of CITU, A Soundararajan, along with leaders such as A Arumugha Nainar, Raveendranath, KC Gopikumar, S Ramesh Kumar, and S Ramachandran (from Pondicherry), as well as two Tamil Nadu MLAs.
The vibrant interactions reflected the enduring bilateral relationship between India and Vietnam, dating back to the historic meeting of Jawaharlal Nehru and Ho Chi Minh in 1958. Over the years, this relationship has expanded to include science, technology, trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
The Vietnamese delegates reaffirmed their dedication to people-to-people diplomacy, emphasizing its role in fostering harmony, an essential ingredient for sustainable development and prosperity. They highlighted their adherence to "Bamboo Diplomacy," a principle championed by Ho Chi Minh. This concept stresses flexibility in relationships while maintaining a strong core. Much like the bamboo tree, this diplomacy symbolizes strength and resilience. The bamboo, once used as a weapon of resistance by the Vietnamese people against French and American forces, now serves as a symbol of outreach and connection with people worldwide.
Harchand Singh Bhatt remarked on the heartfelt and enduring relationship between the two countries. He emphasized that this bond is time-tested, with India being the first country to recognise Vietnam's independence following its revolution led by Ho Chi Minh. He noted that the shared commitment to friendship has only deepened over the years, fostering closer ties between the two countries.
The delegates assured that AIPSO, as a platform for peace-loving Indians, will continue its relentless efforts to make the friendship between India and Vietnam meaningful and enduring. The Vietnamese delegates highlighted the consistent progress of their country under the banner of socialism, which has steadily become an integral part of their people's lives. At the time of their revolution, Vietnam had a population of only two crores, but today, their thriving socialist society supports ten crore people, enjoying improved living standards in every aspect.
They recounted the overthrow of 96 years of French colonial rule and the resilience displayed during two decades of US invasion, which lasted until 1975. These conflicts inflicted immense destruction and hardship on their nation – 86 per cent of Vietnam's land was bombed, and the chemical toxin Agent Orange was deployed, leaving generational scars. Starting from a state of extreme backwardness, Vietnam persevered, despite the loss of four million martyrs during the revolution and an additional two million lives in conflicts with Cambodia between 1975 and 1978, which were fought to defend their socialist republic.
The sacrifices of the Vietnamese people have borne fruit in the form of a new socialist society. 67 per cent of those once living in extreme poverty have been lifted into prosperity. Today, Vietnam ranks as the 14th largest economy in the world. Their progress goes beyond GDP growth, focusing on raising the per capita income, which is now nearing $600. Infant mortality has been drastically reduced to just one in every thousand births. The nation has achieved total literacy and continues to prioritise advancements in school education. Simultaneously, universities are exploring new technologies to prepare for future industrial revolutions that will benefit the entire population.
Despite these achievements, Vietnam remains focused on completing the reconstruction of approximately three lakh houses that are either temporary (kachha) or in a dilapidated condition. Providing quality housing for all is among Vietnam's top priorities, underscoring their dedication to ensuring equitable development for their people.
On the second day of the festival, Minister Nguyen Manh Hung, President of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association, met the delegation during a courtesy call and hosted a dinner in their honour. Following this, the delegation travelled to Vinh Phuc, a province in Vietnam, for another segment of the festival. The delegates were warmly received at the Party headquarters by Duong Van Ab, Chairman of the People’s Committee and Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam for Vinh Phuc Province, who is also a member of the Party Central Committee.
In his speech, Duong Van Ab outlined four key priorities for Vietnam’s future. The first is fostering economic growth while ensuring the equitable distribution of its benefits among the common people, a principle at the core of all reforms. The Communist Party of Vietnam, bearing the legacy and determination of the revolution, plays a pivotal role in this process as the "key of the key." Secondly, building a culture that promotes humanism and harmonizes the present with the past to envision a promising future is essential. Thirdly, Vietnam remains committed to maintaining an independent defense policy and a diplomatic approach that ensures national unity and fosters cordial international relations. Lastly, all investments in Vietnam, whether public, private, foreign, or small-scale, are aligned with these overarching priorities. While the public sector remains a cornerstone of development, private investments are actively encouraged to contribute to the nation’s progress.
Cultural groups performed at three venues in Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, and Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing Vietnam’s rich heritage and unity. Indian artists also participated, presenting vibrant cultural performances. The valedictory function was held on the campus of Ho Chi Minh City University.
The Vietnamese delegation included Ha Min Hue (VIFA), Le Trung Hieu (VUFO), Tran Hoang Khanh Van, and Ly Duc Dung (VUFO). The Indian delegates had the opportunity to pay tribute at the memorial of Ho Chi Minh and visit his historic residence, preserved as a museum. They also explored the pagodas and the Temple of Literature, established in 1970 in Hanoi.
In Vinh Phuc, the delegation visited a museum showcasing excavated artifacts that reflect the four-millennia-old cultural legacy of the Vietnamese people. In Ho Chi Minh City, they toured key attractions such as the Independence Palace and the War Memorial, both of which underscore the resilience of the Vietnamese people against imperialist aggression.
A highlight of the visit was the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network spanning approximately 200 square kilometres, located about 60 kilometres north of Ho Chi Minh City and extending to the Cambodian border. These tunnels, used for communication between villages and as living quarters for soldiers, played a critical role in guerrilla resistance against French and American forces, beginning in 1948.
The week-long festival served as a platform for fostering greater fraternity and solidarity between the peoples of the two countries. It was a proud moment for AIPSO, which played a pivotal role in leading this significant initiative.
