THE IMPRINTS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN VIETNAM

Tóm tắt

The Indian community has maintained a long-standing presence in Vietnam and has contributed significantly to cultural exchange, economic development, and bilateral relations. This article examines the material and non-material imprints of the Indian community in Vietnam from ancient times to the present through a historical and interdisciplinary approach. Using qualitative methods, including historical, documentary, and comparative analysis, the study divides Indian migration into three periods: ancient times to the late nineteenth century, the French colonial era to 1975, and the period after 1975. The findings show that early Indian migrants played an important role in introducing Buddhism, Hinduism, Sanskrit culture, political institutions, trade networks, and architectural traditions, leaving lasting influences on Vietnamese civilization. During the colonial period, Indians became active in commerce, finance, and religious life, particularly in southern Vietnam. Since 1975, the Indian diaspora has contributed to economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity. Despite changes in its size and socio-economic role over time, the Indian community has consistently served as an important bridge linking Vietnam and India and supporting the development of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.