Gayaji: The Vietnamese president, To Lam, arrived in Bihar on Tuesday as part of a three-day official visit to the country, where he was received with a formal welcome by senior state leaders.
Landing at Gaya airport, Lam was greeted by Bihar’s chief minister, Samrat Choudhary, and the state’s governor, Syed Ata Hasnain. Officials said the reception followed full ceremonial protocol, reflecting the significance of the visit.
From Gaya, Lam travelled to Bodh Gaya, one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage destinations, where he visited the Mahabodhi Temple. The temple marks the site where the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment.
At the temple complex, Lam offered prayers and participated in traditional rituals. Buddhist monks welcomed him with customary honours, including the presentation of a ceremonial scarf, as the visit unfolded amid a heightened spiritual atmosphere.
The president also visited the Vietnamese Buddhist monastery in Bodh Gaya, where he again paid respects. The visit is understood to be aimed at reinforcing cultural and religious ties between Vietnam and India, particularly through shared Buddhist heritage.
Security was tightened across Gaya and Bodh Gaya for the duration of the visit, with increased surveillance and police deployment along key routes, including the airport and temple premises, officials said.
Lam is expected to depart for Delhi later in the day, continuing his engagements in the capital. Observers say the visit underscores deepening diplomatic and cultural links between India and Vietnam, with a focus on shared historical and religious connections.
