Cultural Diplomacy Now Shines at the Fourth Namaste Vietnam Festival in Ninh Binh,Get the Details Here

Published on November 22, 2025

In the picturesque province of Ninh Binh, the 4th edition of the Namaste Vietnam Festival 2025 in November 2025 was another milestone in the progressive cultural, tourism, and cinema enterprise between India and Vietnam as the festival was attended by an impressive line-up of dignitaries, leaders in culture, diplomats, and industry professionals from the two countries. The Festival has been one of the finest exhibitions to show the growing relations between India and Vietnam and has been made possible thanks to the Government of Ninh Binh province in tandem to the Event Management Company, Innovations India, under New India’s Act East Policy.

A number of the festival’s showcases were styled in a way to reflect the growing cultural proximity between the two nations, especially in cinema, tourism, and business collaboration. It also brought to the limelight the picturesque profile of Ninh Binh and called the province from India as a prospective premium travel trade hub, especially for destination weddings and luxury travel.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Key Memorandums of Understanding

The grand opening ceremony at the Versak Hall in the Tam Chuc Complex in Ninh Binh featured an array of distinguished guests, including Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism of Vietnam and Mr. Tran Song Tung, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh. A major highlight of the ceremony was the signing of three key Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) designed to enhance cooperation between India and Vietnam.

The first MoU, signed between Innovations India and Ninh Binh authorities, confirmed that a significant portion of the Bollywood film SILAA, produced by Captain Rahul Bali, will be shot in Ninh Binh in early 2026. This agreement is expected to promote the province as a cinematic hotspot, further boosting tourism and international recognition.

The second MoU was signed between Indian travel company Destination Planners and Ninh Binh, aimed at promoting the province as a top destination for Indian tourists. Ninh Binh, known for its dramatic landscapes, including Tam Coc and Hoa Lu Ancient Town, is rapidly gaining popularity for both leisure and luxury tourism, and this partnership will help attract more travelers from India.

The third MoU, signed with Indian wedding planning firm Global Access, focuses on positioning Ninh Binh as a premium destination for destination weddings. With its picturesque landscapes and unique cultural offerings, the province is expected to become a sought-after venue for Indian couples looking for a distinctive wedding experience.

Film Industry Collaboration: Bridging Indian and Vietnamese Cinema

The festival also served as a significant platform for collaboration between the Indian and Vietnamese film industries. Bollywood celebrities such as Riya Sen, Divya Agarwal, and Niharica Raizada, alongside prominent filmmakers, were in attendance. The festival underscored the growing role of cinema in bridging the cultural divide between India and Vietnam.

The presence of top filmmakers and production house representatives, including Dhruv Sinha of Reliance Entertainment and Aashish Singh from Red Chillies Entertainment, marked the festival as a gateway for increased collaboration in film production, talent exchange, and location shooting. This partnership not only benefits the film industries but also brings attention to Vietnam’s stunning locations, which could become popular shooting sites for Indian filmmakers.

The festival’s star-studded lineup helped strengthen ties between the two nations, creating opportunities for collaborative film projects and other creative ventures that can further enhance people-to-people connections.

Promoting Tourism and Cultural Exchange

The Namaste Vietnam Festival also placed a strong emphasis on tourism and cultural exchange. Indian tour operators and wedding planners attended the festival and took curated tours of Ninh Binh’s scenic spots, such as the stunning Tam Coc River and the ancient Hoa Lu capital. This provided them with firsthand insight into the region’s potential to become a luxury tourism hub for Indian travelers.

The festival’s growing recognition as a key platform for tourism promotion underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy in boosting travel between the two countries. With Ninh Binh’s rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, it has the potential to draw increasing numbers of Indian tourists, particularly in the luxury and wedding tourism segments.

Vietnam Airlines, the official airline partner for the event, continues to play a pivotal role in fostering travel between the two countries. The airline’s ongoing support highlights its commitment to strengthening tourism, trade, and cultural ties between India and Vietnam.

The Inaugural Participation of Mizoram: Expanding Horizons

A unique addition to this year’s festival was the participation of a high-level delegation from Mizoram, an Indian state known for its lush landscapes and cultural similarities with Vietnam. Mizoram’s involvement in the festival is expected to open new doors for cooperation in tourism, trade, and organic products, particularly bamboo and ginger, which are abundant in the region.

This new partnership could provide opportunities for Mizoram to promote its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and organic agriculture products to the Vietnamese market, fostering cross-border trade and collaboration.

Impact on Travel and Tourism: Growing Interest in Vietnam

The festival’s impact on travel and tourism is evident in the increased interest from Indian travelers, particularly in the luxury tourism sector. The promotional efforts to position Ninh Binh as a destination for destination weddings and high-end tourism are expected to attract affluent travelers from India. The growing presence of Indian tourists in Vietnam is also likely to boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development.

In addition to leisure travel, the festival’s emphasis on cultural exchange and collaborations in the film industry has set the stage for long-term growth in tourism and creative industries. The partnerships formed at the festival will likely encourage future initiatives that further strengthen the cultural and economic ties between India and Vietnam.

A Bright Future for India-Vietnam Relations

The 4th Namaste Vietnam Festival 2025 has demonstrated the expanding cultural ties and collaborations between India and Vietnam. The addition of partnerships in tourism, cinema, and commerce has allowed the festival to become a significant contributor to the expansion of bilateral relations. The possibilities of future collaboration are optimistic as both countries continue to focus on cultural diplomacy, promotion of tourism, and partnerships in the creative industries.

The festival of Namaste Vietnam is one of the many celebrations of the multicultural legacy and the shared history of India and Vietnam. It is a tribute to the numerous opportunities that lie ahead. It will help foster the integration and growth of tourism, the film industry, and trade in both countries. It will help the countries achieve their target collaboration. It will show the world the spirit of collaboration and friendship.