New Delhi/ Patna : President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed President of Vietnam Tô Lâm during his official visit to India, reaffirming the deep strategic and civilizational ties between India and Vietnam.As President Tô Lâm concluded his visit and returned to Vietnam, India presented a series of specially curated traditional gifts reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage, spirituality, craftsmanship, and agricultural excellence. Among the gifts, the most unique attraction was the Namoh 108 (Lotus), a rare variety of India’s national flower developed by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow.The Namoh 108 Lotus carries exceptional spiritual and cultural significance as it has exactly 108 petals — a sacred number in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism symbolizing completeness and cosmic harmony. Developed through advanced botanical research, the lotus is regarded as a living blend of India’s ancient traditions and modern scientific achievement.
Another major attraction was the intricately designed Brass Buddha with Bodhi Tree, crafted by artisans from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, globally known for its brassware tradition. The sculpture symbolizes peace, enlightenment, fearlessness, and compassion, representing India’s deep Buddhist heritage shared with Vietnam.India also gifted elegant Banarasi Silk Fabric from Varanasi, famous worldwide for its luxurious weaving tradition and intricate craftsmanship. The fabric reflects the artistic richness of Indian textiles and their compatibility with the graceful Vietnamese Áo dài tradition.Special delicacies from Bihar were also included in the gift collection. These comprised GI-tagged Silao Khaja, traditional Gaya Anarsa, nutritious Mithila Makhana, and the famous Hajipur Malbhog Banana, all representing Bihar’s rich culinary and agricultural heritage.
From Maharashtra, India presented premium Ratnagiri Alphonso Mangoes and healthy Millet Bars, highlighting the country’s agricultural diversity and growing emphasis on nutritious and climate-resilient food products.The gifts were seen as a symbolic gesture of friendship and cultural diplomacy, showcasing India’s spiritual traditions, scientific innovation, artisan excellence, and regional diversity while strengthening the historic bond between India and Vietnam.