Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, who returned to India on Monday night after escorting the sacred relics of Lord Buddha from Vietnam, proposed fostering province-level ties between Odisha and Da Nang city in Vietnam.
This suggestion came during a meeting with Le Trung Chinh, chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, during the governor’s visit to Vietnam from May 31 to June 3.
Kambhampati expressed openness to exploring regional cooperation between Odisha and Da Nang if the latter is interested. “We also have many important Buddhist sites. If Da Nang is interested, we can explore building ties between our two regions,” he said.
Describing Da Nang as a historic coastal city aiming to become a hub for technology, finance, and tourism, the Governor highlighted its strategic role in strengthening India-Vietnam economic and trade ties. He underscored the deep cultural connections through Buddhism, linking the two nations for over 1,800 years.
Citing recent high-level engagements, such as the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s visit to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President To Lam in New York last year, he noted expanding cooperation in defence, trade, tourism, education, and health.
Kambhampati praised Da Nang’s collaboration with the Indian embassy in promoting yoga, academic exchanges, and cultural outreach, while also noting enhanced people-to-people ties due to increased direct flights.
During his visit, he explored the UNESCO World Heritage Site at My Son Sanctuary, commending the Indian archaeological team’s restoration of ancient temples as a testament to the enduring historical and cultural bonds between India and Vietnam.
