Vietnamese President To Lam on Tuesday visited the sacred city of Bodh Gaya and offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. The visit formed a key part of his ongoing three-day official trip to India and highlighted the deep cultural and spiritual ties shared between India and Vietnam. His presence at the temple underscored the significance of Buddhist heritage in strengthening bilateral relations.

Earlier in the day, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary welcomed President To Lam upon his arrival in Gayaji, describing the visit as an important moment for both the state and the country. In a message shared on social media platform X, the Chief Minister noted that the visit to a city known for its spiritual and cultural legacy would further enhance mutual goodwill. He expressed confidence that such high-level engagements would elevate the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

President To Lam’s visit to Bodh Gaya also carries historical resonance, as he had previously planted a Bodhi tree at the Phat Tich Pagoda in Bac Ninh, Vietnam, in 2011. The sapling was brought from Bodh Gaya, symbolising the enduring spiritual connection between the two countries. His return to the site as President is being viewed as both a personal and diplomatic gesture, reinforcing shared cultural roots grounded in Buddhism.

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The Vietnamese leader, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, will remain in India until May 7. This marks his first official visit to India since assuming office earlier this month. The trip comes at a significant time as both countries commemorate ten years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a milestone that reflects the steady expansion of cooperation across sectors.

During his visit, President To Lam is scheduled to receive a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan and hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions are expected to cover trade, defence, regional security, and global issues of mutual concern. He is also set to meet President Droupadi Murmu and other senior leaders, with diplomatic engagements aimed at further strengthening bilateral collaboration.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into India-Vietnam ties and open new avenues of cooperation. Officials noted that the relationship, rooted in historical and civilisational links, has grown significantly over the years. President To Lam’s engagements, including visits to Bodh Gaya and Mumbai, are seen as reinforcing both cultural diplomacy and strategic partnership between the two nations.

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