In a significant step towards fostering international collaboration, Odisha’s Governor, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, proposed establishing a sister-state relationship between Odisha and Da Nang City in Vietnam during his recent visit to the Southeast Asian nation.
The proposal was made during a meeting with His Excellency Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, on Monday, as part of a mission to bring back the sacred relics of Lord Buddha to India.
Governor Kambhampati highlighted Odisha’s rich historical legacy, vibrant cultural traditions, and rapid economic growth, emphasising the state’s numerous significant Buddhist sites. “Odisha is a land of profound history, strong cultural heritage, and dynamic economic progress. We are home to many important Buddhist sites. If Da Nang is interested, we can establish a meaningful relationship between our two regions,” he stated during the meeting.
Praising Da Nang as a beautiful and historic city, the Governor noted its strategic importance as a major port, a hub for high technology, and a centre for economy and tourism. He underscored Da Nang’s potential as a vibrant coastal city in central Vietnam, positioning it as a key player in enhancing economic and trade cooperation between India and Vietnam. “Da Nang’s location and potential make it a vital link for strengthening bilateral ties,” he added.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese government and the people of Da Nang for their warm hospitality and meticulous arrangements for the sacred relics of Lord Buddha. He noted that the Government of India had provided appropriate protocol for the relics, which he personally accompanied back to India. “Buddhism has been a strong bond between India and Vietnam for nearly 1,800 years. India values its Buddhist heritage and prioritises the protection, preservation, and promotion of Buddhist sites,” Dr. Kambhampati remarked.
Highlighting the growing partnership between India and Vietnam, the Governor referenced recent high-level engagements, including the visit of Vietnam’s Prime Minister to India last year and a meeting in New York in 2024 between India’s Prime Minister and Vietnam’s President and Party General Secretary, To Lam. These interactions have significantly strengthened bilateral relations, he noted. Cooperation between the two nations is expanding in areas such as trade, defense, tourism, health, digital economy, education, and sustainable development. The Governor also commended Da Nang’s support for working with the Indian Embassy to promote yoga, cultural exchanges, and educational ties, while emphasizing the role of increased direct flight connectivity in enhancing people-to-people contact.
During his visit, Governor Kambhampati explored the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son in central Vietnam, where he lauded the efforts of the Indian Archaeological Team in restoring ancient temples. He described the project as a powerful symbol of the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Vietnam.
The proposal for a sister-state relationship aims to leverage shared cultural heritage, particularly the Buddhist legacy, and economic potential to foster collaboration. This initiative could pave the way for enhanced trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, further solidifying the bond between Odisha and Da Nang.
