The MoU signing ceremony took place in Mumbai on 7 May 2026, in the presence of H.E. Mr. To Lam, President of Vietnam, and Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, along with distinguished dignitaries and senior officials from both nations, including Vietnam’s Minister of Culture and Tourism H.E. Mr. Ho An Phong and Indian Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Tshering Sherpa.
This collaboration coincides with the historic first official state visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India and marks the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting the deepening friendship, trust, and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The MoU was formally signed by Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines; Nguyen Huu Y Yen, Chairwoman of Saigontourist Group; and Captain Rahul Bali, Managing Director of Innovations India, who is also the producer of SILAA and curator of the Namaste Vietnam Festival.
President To Lam stated, “Vietnam and India share a timeless friendship built on trust, cultural understanding, and mutual respect. Collaborations in cinema, tourism, and cultural exchange not only strengthen people-to-people connections but also open new avenues of cooperation between our nations. I am pleased to see institutions from Vietnam and India coming together to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during this important milestone year.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked, “Maharashtra has always been India’s gateway for culture, cinema, business, and international collaboration. The partnership between Vietnam and Indian enterprises exemplifies how creative industries and tourism can serve as instruments of diplomacy and economic growth. Such initiatives will strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Vietnam while creating opportunities for tourism, investment, and cultural engagement.”
Captain Rahul Bali added, “It is a matter of immense pride for us to collaborate with the Government of Vietnam through iconic institutions like Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist Group during such a historic milestone year for India–Vietnam relations. Through cinema, tourism, and cultural diplomacy, we aim to create impactful platforms that bring the people of Vietnam and India closer, inspiring travel, deeper understanding, and stronger engagement.”
The Bollywood film SILAA, directed by Omung Kumar and starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sadia Khateeb, is a cinematic endeavor designed to build an emotional and cultural bridge between India and Vietnam. Produced by Innovations India in partnership with Zee Studios, Blue Lotus Pictures, and Stark Entertainment, the film highlights Vietnam’s beauty, heritage, hospitality, and tourism potential, with a scheduled release in 2026.
The 5th edition of the Namaste Vietnam Festival will further strengthen bilateral engagement through a vibrant celebration of cinema, tourism, culture, fashion, and people-to-people exchanges. Over the years, the festival has become a key platform for enhancing India–Vietnam friendship and cultural diplomacy.
This strategic collaboration between Vietnam Airlines, Saigontourist Group, and Innovations India is expected to significantly boost tourism exchanges, film cooperation, and cultural connectivity. As India and Vietnam celebrate a decade of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, initiatives like these reaffirm the shared commitment to strengthen bilateral relations through soft power, creative industries, and cultural diplomacy. The MoU stands as a milestone in the evolving India–Vietnam partnership and exemplifies how cinema, tourism, and cultural initiatives can deepen friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
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