Indian General Admires Vietnam's Remarkable Progress

General Chakravorty pointed out that national unity was the core of the historic victory on April 30, 1975, and also played an extremely important role in Vietnam's current development process.

A corner of Hanoi . (Photo: Tuan Anh/VNA)

As the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) approaches, VNA correspondents in New Delhi interviewed General PK Chakravorty, who served as Indian Defense Attaché to Vietnam from 1996 to 1999.

According to General Chakravorty, April 30, 1975 was a historic day not only for Vietnam but also for all nations aspiring towards freedom and stable unity. It was the day when the Vietnamese people’s struggle for freedom reached its climax of victory.

On this day, the Vietnam People's Army achieved complete victory and liberated the country from foreign domination. The Ho Chi Minh Campaign opened on April 26, 1975.

Then, the five wings of the Vietnamese Army broke through the enemy's defense line and entered Saigon on the morning of April 30. This was the moment that the Vietnamese people had long awaited.

At 11:30 a.m. on April 30, 1975, Liberation Army tanks crossed the iron gate, capturing the Saigon puppet Presidential Palace, the last stronghold of the enemy, gloriously ending the nation's 30-year long march against foreign invaders. (Photo: Mai Huong/VNA)

Mr. Chakravorty was moved when recalling the image of soldier Bui Quang Than planting the national flag on the roof of the Independence Palace as well as the image of national flags adorning all parts of the country at that time.

When asked about the changes in Vietnam over the past 50 years, General Chakravorty expressed his admiration for Vietnam's remarkable progress.

He said that economic reforms during the “Doi Moi” period that began in 1986 helped Vietnam move from a centrally planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy. This led to a significant increase in agricultural output, increased foreign investment and economic growth of more than 7%.

Currently, the country has a population of about 100 million people with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 476 billion USD. These achievements are thanks to Vietnam maintaining stable, friendly and warm political relations with all countries, including major powers such as Russia, the US, China...

General Chakravorty pointed out that national unity was the core of the historic victory on April 30, 1975, and at the same time played an extremely important role in Vietnam's current development process, helping the country unify and develop in all fields.

The period after April 30, 1975 was a difficult journey, but General Chakravorty said that by combining factors such as military art and skillful diplomacy, taking advantage of national strength and the strength of the times, Vietnam has continuously and effectively achieved its set goals.

A corner of Ho Chi Minh City. (Source: VNA)

Since then, Vietnam has affirmed its potential and position by participating in regional and international organizations: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia Summit (EAS), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)... Besides, Vietnam has strongly protected its territorial sovereignty in the East Sea.

As Vietnam prepares to enter a new era, an era of national growth, General Chakravorty has emphasized the need to maintain the art of skillful diplomacy, national unity combined with flexibility and acceptance of change to modernize the country.

He suggested that Vietnam should continuously improve its automation capabilities, apply artificial intelligence, and develop cyberspace and outer space. In addition, Vietnam also needs to strengthen technical cooperation with advanced countries to open up new opportunities, continuously improve the quality of life and create a foundation for sustainable development.

Among the series of valuable lessons drawn from the historic victory of April 30, 1975, General Chakravorty mentioned a number of lessons that helped Vietnam integrate more deeply into the world economy, namely: national solidarity, maintaining goals, creative and flexible approaches, planning for unexpected situations, and domestic and international cooperation./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/tuong-an-do-nguong-mo-nhung-tien-bo-vuot-bac-cua-viet-nam-post1035276.vnp