The second Namaste Vietnam Festival has been announced, shining a spotlight on the long-standing friendly and cordial connections between India and Vietnam. These cordial ties have their historical roots in the same struggle for independence and freedom. India’s “Look East” policy, which was upgraded to the “Act East Policy” in 2014, has helped to advance diplomatic ties and trade ties in recent years. With an emphasis on connectivity, trade, culture, defense, and intercultural exchange, the Act East Policy seeks to significantly improve economic, strategic, and cultural ties with the Asia-Pacific region. India counts Vietnam as a major regional ally, and the two nations regularly work together in forums.
The announcement of the second iteration of the popular Namaste Vietnam Festival by the Consulate General of India in Vietnam reaffirms the importance of Vietnam as recently emphsized by Prime Minister Modi.
The upcoming festival, which is slated to run from August 12 to August 20 in Ho Chi Minh City and other regions of Vietnam, is being organized by the Indian Embassy and Consulate General in Vietnam under the auspices of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with Innovations India and IFFW.
The illustrious award-winning actor Anupam Kher, renowned Indian pop singer Alisha Chinai, and accomplished filmmakers Rahul Mittra, Hansal Mehta, Mikhil Musale, Rahat Kazmi, Tariq Khan, Abhishek Jain, and Shoib Nikash Shah will all be present at this prestigious event. The event will also feature well-known Indian actresses Tannishtha Chatterjee, Helly Shah, Avika Gor, and Yuvika Chaudhary, adding to its appeal and grandeur.
Anupam Kher’s movie “The Signature” will have its global premiere as the festival’s opening feature, and Rahat Kazmi’s movie “Kaya Palat” will serve as its closing picture. The festival will also include four other noteworthy events. The renowned Indian singer Alisha Chinai will also dazzle the crowds with her musical performance in Vietnam, where her well-known song “Made in India” enjoys enormous popularity. To strengthen the bonds of friendship and encourage better corporate cooperation and bilateral collaborations, representatives from both the countries will also meet for seminars on important subjects including railway, tourism, and cinema.
The most significant event of the festival will be the celebration of India’s Independence Day on August 15 at India House, the official residence of the Indian Consul General in Vietnam. More than 1000 notable individuals from both India and Vietnam as well as diplomats from around the world are expected to attend.
This nine-day festival aims to present a diverse array of activities, including film screenings, musical performances, business seminars, and trade meets, all aimed at igniting interest in India in Vietnam and spreading the essence of Indian culture there.
The festival, which aims to spread the fragrance of India in Vietnam, is curated by Captain Rahul Bali, a well-known figure in the international festival circuit. It will be graced by the presence of dignitaries and luminaries, diplomats, notable actors and filmmakers, captains of the industry, corporate conglomerates, trade & business associations, senior government officials, business delegations, and media from both countries.
