Strengthening friendship, nurturing a green future
Speaking at the ceremony, Vipra Pandey, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed his honor to attend the meaningful event in the dynamic city of Can Tho. He emphasized that as the two countries celebrate 10 years of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the tree-planting activity not only helps strengthen the enduring friendship but also reflects a shared commitment to a green and sustainable future.
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| Le Thi Thanh Giang, President of the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations (far left), together with the Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and delegates, performs the friendship tree-planting ceremony. (Photo: HV) |
The tree-planting program stems from an initiative launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to expand forest coverage, promote sustainable development, and raise public awareness about environmental protection and climate change response.
According to Vipra Pandey, each tree planted today is not merely an environmental act but also a symbol of the growth of bilateral relations, a “seed” for future cooperation, mutual understanding, and friendship between the two countries.
Spreading community responsibility, especially among the younger generation
A representative of the Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations said that the 2026 Friendship Tree Planting Ceremony is part of the “Plant4Mother” initiative, contributing to spreading the message of environmental protection while fostering a sense of responsibility within the community, especially among young people, toward nature and sustainable development.
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| Delegates take a commemorative photo at the tree-planting ceremony. (Photo: HV) |
Le Thi Thanh Giang, President of the Union, stressed that this is not only an environmental activity but also a vivid symbol of Viet Nam-India friendship. In recent years, bilateral relations have continued to develop across multiple fields, including politics, economy, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Can Tho has also actively coordinated with Indian partners to implement many practical projects, ranging from rural infrastructure development and renewable energy to educational cooperation and cultural exchanges such as International Yoga Day, traditional art programs, and annual friendship tree-planting ceremonies.
Notably, hosting the event at Nam Can Tho University, where nearly 500 Indian students are studying, further highlights the significance of cultural exchange and educational cooperation.
Nguyen Van Quang, Rector of the university, said that the trees planted will be cared for and preserved as living symbols of Viet Nam-India friendship. At the same time, the university aims to further expand international cooperation, particularly with Indian partners in education and scientific research.
Source: Vietnamtimes
