Indian Foreign Minister Subramanium Jaishankar unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The Foreign Minister recalled Gandhi's efforts to unite India during its struggle for independence and to inspire nations and people around the world.
"Mahatma Gandhi is without question one of the most iconic figures of our contemporary world. His contributions to truth, non-violence, to freedom and independence of people have been recognised by the UN by proclaiming his birthday as the International Day of Non-Violence," the foreign minister said.
Jaishankar also emphasised the relevance of Gandhi's ideas today.
"The relevance of Mahatma Gandhi is very great in a world that we see today beset by conflict and violence. So, as we strive to harmonise contradictions, to bridge divides, Mahatma Gandhi serves not just a political inspiration, but even as a motivator of diplomacy," he said.
He also stressed the symbolic importance of the event, emphasizing global recognition of Gandhi's principles of truth, non-violence, and freedom.
The minister is on an official four-day visit at the invitation of his counterpart, Bui Thanh Son. On Monday, to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation in areas like trade, energy, defence, and maritime security while also sharing perspectives on the Indo-Pacific. He conveyed the greetings of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
From Vietnam, Jaishankar will travel to Singapore from October 19 to 20.