Hanoi, June 5 (IANS) - A new Buddhist dharma centre was inaugurated in Hanoi on Wednesday, June 4, reinforcing the centuries-old civilisational ties between India and Vietnam at a moment of deepening diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
The Dharma Centre of the Vajrayana Drigung Kagyu Samten Ling was opened in the Vietnamese capital in a ceremony attended by senior religious figures, including Most Venerable Thich Minh Nghiem, Abbot of Gian Pagoda and Member of the Central Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and His Eminence Khentrul Khunga Konchok Tenzin Rinpoche.
The Indian Embassy in Hanoi stated: "Buddhism is the civilisational bond between the people of India and Vietnam. Buddhism has and will continue to play a key role in further strengthening the close friendship between India and Vietnam."
Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Tshering W. Sherpa addressed the gathering and expressed gratitude to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha for its continued support. The centre will serve as an abode for spirituality and culture, further enhancing people-to-people linkages between the two countries.
The inauguration follows a series of high-level exchanges. Ambassador Sherpa attended Vesak Day celebrations at Yen Phu Pagoda last month, where he noted Buddhism's enduring influence on contemporary India-Vietnam ties.
At the diplomatic level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on May 6, describing Vietnam as a "key pillar" of India's Act East policy. During talks with Vietnamese President To Lam at Hyderabad House, PM Modi highlighted that more than 15 million people had darshan of Buddhist relics exhibited in Vietnam in 2025 , pointing to the cultural resonance that underpins the strategic partnership.