Vietnam's Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung (fourth from right) presents medical supplies to Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma (Photo: VNA)

The scholars from ASEAN insisted that India is a good friend and close partner and urged an even closer relationship and more people-to-people diplomacy.

They praised Vietnam’s success in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, with few infections and no fatalities.

Le Van Toan, Founding Director of the India Research Center of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said Vietnam has made significant contributions to global efforts.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has shared its experience, medical equipment, and supplies with many nations, including India.