India and Vietnam today discussed strengthening community ties and cultural networks for the promotion and preservation of living heritage.
In a social media post, the Ministry of Culture said that discussions took place between Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture Amita Prasad Sarbhai and Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism of Vietnam Hoang Dao Cuong as part of the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in New Delhi.
India preserves its rich cultural heritage through strong constitutional mandates (Art. 29, 51A), major government bodies like the ASI, and initiatives like ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’, focusing on monument protection, digital preservation (3D scanning), community engagement, repatriation of artifacts, and promoting intangible heritage like classical languages, balancing development with conservation via strategies like ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’, though challenges remain in modernizing methods and tackling globalization’s impact.
India and Vietnam are both members of the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation, created to develop and enhance close ties between India and nations of Southeast Asia. Vietnam has supported India’s bid to become a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).