HA NOI — The book Traces of Indian Culture in Viet Nam by Prof Geetesh Sharma was presented in a ceremony in Ha Noi on Wednesday.

In the 180-page book, Sharma emphasises the strong relations between India and Viet Nam that have existed for 2,000 years. The kingdom of the Hinduised Champa people spread through central and southern Viet Nam from the 2nd century to the 17th century.

Born in 1932 in the Indian state of Bihar, Sharma is president of the India-Viet Nam Solidarity Committee of West Bengal. He has supported the Vietnamese people during their battle for national independence and in development since the war, and he has promoted cultural and trade relations between the two nations.

Viet Nam has played an important role in the hearts of the Indian people, Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae told the ceremony, noting that developing relations was an important part of the country's "Look East" policy. The ceremony also formed part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and India.-VNS