Vietnam is planning to force social media platforms to ban users under 16 from posting content, commenting or reacting to posts, according to a draft decree ​reviewed by Reuters, joining a growing international push to curb the ‌use of social media by minors.

The proposed rules would require social media accounts belonging to children under 16 to be registered using the information of a parent or legal guardian, who would ​be responsible for supervising the content viewed and the amount of time ​spent on the platforms.

Social media companies would also have to use ⁠technical measures to identify child users and ensure age-appropriate content distribution, according to the ​draft decree.

“The primary objective is not to ban or excessively restrict children’s access ​to social media, but rather to ensure that when children use social media services, they are placed in an age-appropriate environment and protected from inappropriate risks,” deputy culture minister Phan Tam said ​on Thursday at a meeting to discuss the new rules.

The draft decree also requires platforms ​to provide the highest level of privacy protection for child accounts, and to proactively detect, ‌warn and ⁠block access to content related to violence, pornography, gambling, drugs, suicide and other harmful material.

The proposal reflects growing concern among governments worldwide about online safety and the impact of social media and harmful content on the mental health of children.

On Tuesday, French lawmakers approved ​a ban on ⁠social media access for children under 15. Australia was the first country to impose a ban and several other countries are ​also following suit.

Beyond social media, Vietnam is also proposing new ​restrictions on ⁠online gaming by minors, according to the draft decree.

Game operators would be required to verify users’ ages, register under-16 accounts through a parent or guardian and limit children ⁠under 16 ​to no more than 60 minutes of play ​a day for games provided by the same company, it said.

The draft decree has not yet been ​finalised and could be revised before adoption. (Reuters)

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Vietnamese police arrested nine people and rescued more than 400 live cats destined for slaughter, reuniting dozens with their owners. Around 100 of the animals later died from their ordeal.

Vietnamese police have broken up a criminal network accused of stealing cats across the south of the country over a three-year period, with animals recovered destined for slaughter and sale as meat.

Nine suspects were detained last week on suspicion of involvement in what authorities described as a group “specialising in stealing and collecting cats”, according to the Ho Chi Minh City police’s official newspaper. Officers recovered more than 400 live animals alongside 80 already dead and stored on ice, as well as a further 21 cats seized from a separate location.

The operation was launched in response to a surge in pet thefts in Ho Chi Minh City. Suspects reportedly admitted to luring and trapping cats at various locations across southern Vietnam.

While the consumption of cats and dogs is permitted under Vietnamese law, with many restaurants openly listing such dishes, traders are legally required to hold certificates proving the animals’ provenance. It remains unclear whether the alleged ring held such documentation.

International animal welfare organisation Humane World for Animals confirmed that at least 40 of the recovered cats had been reunited with their owners as of Tuesday, praising police for “decisive action that has saved the lives of so many animals”. However, it noted that around 100 of those rescued had since died as a result of their ordeal.

The group said its immediate priority was the welfare of the animals still being held at the police station as evidence during the ongoing prosecution.

“While efforts are continuing to reunite stolen cats with their families, our main concern is for the cats who remain at the police station as evidence during the prosecution,” said Karanvir Kukreja of Humane World for Animals.

The organisation said it had supplied food for the animals and was arranging delivery of fans to prevent them from overheating in custody.

Ho Chi Minh City police had not responded to media requests for comment at the time of publication. (Euronews)

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Seventy‑four (74) Vietnamese nationals arrested in Sri Lanka for alleged online financial fraud have been revealed to be individuals previously deported from Cambodia over similar cybercrimes, the Colpetty Police told the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (15).

Reporting before Magistrate Pasan Amarasena, the Police said the suspects had violated visa conditions while residing in Sri Lanka. 

It was further disclosed that their wages had been paid by a Sri Lankan woman, who claimed the funds were sent by an unknown individual.

After considering the submissions, the Magistrate ordered that the group remain in remand custody until May 21. (Newswire)

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Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) held bilateral discussions with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, and his delegation on May 8 at the Hilton Colombo.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

During the meeting, the Defence Secretary thanked the Government of Vietnam and the visiting delegation for their continued support and cooperation.

General Giang reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening engagement with Sri Lanka’s defence sector on areas of mutual interest. He also congratulated Sri Lanka on its progress and reiterated support for a secure and cooperative partnership between the two countries.

The Vietnamese delegation included Director General of GDDI Lt. Gen. Tran Cong Chinh, Director General of the Foreign Relations Department Lt. Gen. Vu Thanh Van, and Vietnamese Defence Attaché to India Sr. Col. Nguyen Ngoc Dai.

Senior officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence, including the Senior Additional Secretary and the Military Liaison Officer, also attended the meeting. (Newswire)

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Visiting President of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, arrived at the Parliament of Sri Lanka today (08). 

President To Lam was welcomed by the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Jagath Wickramaratne. 

The President of Vietnam is currently in Sri Lanka on a State Visit from 07-08 May 2026.  

The visit takes place at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka following his State Visit to Vietnam in 2025 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka and Vietnam intend to increase annual bilateral trade to one billion dollars by 2030, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced today (08).

The decision was made during bilateral discussions held between himself and the visiting Vietnamese President, he said. 

President Dissanayake further invited Vietnamese investors to explore investment and business opportunities in priority sectors of renewable energy, logistics, infrastructure development, tourism and manufacturing. 

He also announced that Vietnam has agreed to donate 100 metric tonnes of Urea and superphosphate fertilizer to Sri Lanka to further develop the Agricultural Sector. 

The President further announced the official launch of direct flight services between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi this year.

The President made the announcement while addressing a joint press conference with the visiting President of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam. 

Sri Lanka and Vietnam also signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in the fields covering information and communication, culture, religion, science and technology. (Newswire)

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The President of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The official reception marks the beginning of President Lam’s state visit to Sri Lanka, aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and social ties between the two nations.

Escorted by the Police Mounted Division, the Vietnamese leader was received with full state honours, including the playing of national anthems and a ceremonial gun salute. 

The two heads of state inspected the Tri‑forces Guard of Honour before being introduced to the Sri Lanka–Vietnam delegations.

Senior Sri Lankan ministers and officials were present at the occasion, including Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath; Labour Minister and State Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Pranandu; Science and Technology Minister Krishantha Abeysena; Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi; Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala; Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayaka; Defence Ministry Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha; and Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraaja. (Newswire)

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President of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka tonight (07) on a state visit.  

The state visit by the President of Vietnam is being undertaken at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, extended during his state visit to Vietnam in 2025, in commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.  

According to the President’s Office, this visit assumes special significance as it takes place at a time when Sri Lanka is steadily progressing towards economic stability under the present Government. It also marks the first visit by a Vietnamese President to Sri Lanka in 15 years. 

Recognising Vietnam’s strong political and economic vision, which has positioned the country as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a major global manufacturing hub, the state visit by the Vietnamese President is expected to provide a significant opportunity to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. The visit is also expected to support Sri Lanka’s industrialisation drive and efforts to expand access to foreign markets.

In particular, the visit will provide an opportunity for Sri Lanka to benefit from Vietnam’s experience in the manufacturing and export sectors, while also promoting direct foreign investment between the two countries. Enhanced cooperation in areas such as agricultural modernisation and tourism is expected to create new employment opportunities. Furthermore, closer ties with Vietnam, a leading trade hub in the Southeast Asian region, are expected to open new avenues for Sri Lanka’s access to international markets. 

In addition, Vietnam’s strong industrial base and technological advancement are expected to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to introduce new technologies to small and medium-sized enterprises. Strengthening bilateral trade agreements between the two countries will also create greater opportunities for Sri Lankan products to access the Vietnamese market. Furthermore, cooperation and knowledge-sharing in sectors such as the digital economy and information technology will help open pathways for Sri Lankan youth to enter the global employment market. Accordingly, this diplomatic engagement can be regarded as a valuable opportunity to build a long-term strategic partnership aimed at advancing the economic prosperity of both nations.  

The official welcome ceremony for the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, will be held tomorrow (08) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

Following the ceremony, President To Lam and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions on a range of matters of mutual importance. Subsequently, discussions between the Vietnamese delegation and representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka are also expected to take place, covering several key areas of cooperation.  

Following these high-level diplomatic discussions, several Memoranda of Understanding are expected to be signed, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to further expand cooperation across multiple sectors. Thereafter, the two leaders are scheduled to make a joint media statement.

Thereafter, the President of Vietnam is scheduled to pay floral tribute to the statue of Ho Chi Minh located within the premises of the Colombo Public Library. He will also visit the Vietnam–Ho Chi Minh Space at the same library, which features a collection of historical photographs.  

Thereafter, the President of Vietnam is scheduled to deliver a special address to the Parliament of Sri Lanka.  

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and the Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, along with other political representatives, are scheduled to hold a series of discussions with the President of Vietnam tomorrow (08). 

The President of Vietnam is also scheduled to attend a photographic exhibition at the Hilton Colombo Hotel, which highlights the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam as well as their shared cultural identity. He will further visit an exhibition showcasing Vietnamese products, traditional handicrafts and modern industrial innovations, reflecting the country’s economic and technological development.   

Thereafter, President To Lam is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Forum. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya is also expected to address the forum.

During the event, the official launch of direct flight services between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi, operated by Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, will be announced. Relevant agreements pertaining to the new air services are also expected to be exchanged on this occasion.

Following participation in the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Business Forum, the President of Vietnam and his delegation are scheduled to conclude their state visit and depart from Sri Lanka tomorrow (08) night. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have arrested 74 foreign nationals suspected of violating visa regulations and engaging in financial fraud during a raid in Colpetty on Wednesday (06).

According to the Police, the operation, carried out by officers of the Sri Lanka Police together with the Colpetty Police Station, targeted a housing complex in Uttarananda Mawatha within the Colpetty Police Division.

The Police said the suspects included 41 men and 33 women, all Vietnamese nationals aged between 19 and 39 years. 

They were taken into custody on suspicion of overstaying visas and involvement in fraudulent financial activities.

The Colpetty Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire/ AI image)

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The President of Vietnam is scheduled to undertake a State Visit to Sri Lanka on May 7 and 8, 2026, at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

During the visit, the two countries are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation across several sectors, with Cabinet approval granted for the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

The agreements include:

• Cooperation in information and communication between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine and Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
• Cultural cooperation between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
• Religious cooperation between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and Vietnam’s Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, covering development, welfare of religious students, and protection of religious practices.
• Collaboration in science and technology between the two countries’ respective ministries.
• Police training and scientific research cooperation between the Sri Lanka National Police Training Institute and Vietnam’s People’s Police Training Institute. (Newswire)

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The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Tô Lâm, will undertake a State Visit to Sri Lanka from 07-08 May 2026.  

According to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit takes place at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka following his State Visit to Vietnam in 2025 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Vietnam. 

During the visit, the two leaders will hold bilateral talks on a range of matters of mutual interest. 

The President of Vietnam will also take part in a series of high-level engagements, including the inauguration of the “Sri Lanka – Vietnam Trade, Investment & Tourism Forum”.

President Tô Lâm will be accompanied on the visit by senior ministers of the Government and prominent political leaders, including the Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. (Newswire)

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A group of Vietnamese nationals engaged in fraudulent money transactions via the internet was arrested on Tuesday (24), it was reported.

According to the Police Media Division, the 09 suspects had arrived in Sri Lanka on tourist visas and were engaged in online fraud. 

The suspects were arrested from a house in the Godakanda area, under the Poddala Police Division. 

Police seized a computer, a laptop, and 84 mobile phones from the suspects during the operation.

The raid was carried out by a team of Galle Police officers, acting on information received from the Boossa Army Intelligence Unit. 

The arrested suspects have been handed over to the Poddala Police for further investigations and are due to be produced before the Galle Magistrate’s Court tomorrow. (Newswire)

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A meeting between Vietnam Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) General Secretary Tilvin Silva took place yesterday (18) at the party headquarters in Pelawatte.

The purpose was to brief the JVP on the decisions and future actions arising from the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, held in Hanoi from January 20 to 23, 2026.

At the meeting, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam explained the significance and importance of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

It was noted that during this Congress, the Communist Party of Vietnam and the country set targets for the period 2026–2030, and also agreed on two long‑term goals for 2035 and 2045.

Views were also exchanged on how Vietnam and Sri Lanka are preparing to face the current Middle East conflicts and the global crisis.

On this occasion, the JVP General Secretary conveyed congratulations to To Lam, who was re‑appointed as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam at the 14th National Congress, as well as to the newly appointed Central Committee, wishing them success in their future work.

Representing the JVP were Central Committee member and Minister of Media and Health Nalinda Jayatissa, Inter‑Company Workers’ Union General Secretary Janaka Adikari, and JVP International Committee member Kalpana Madhubashini.

Representing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were Deputy Head of Mission Le Van Huong, First Secretary Nguyen Van Binh, and Ambassador’s Secretary Ramya Nilangani. (Newswire)

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Senior representatives of Vietnam’s ROX Group, who are currently on a visit to Sri Lanka, have expressed their readiness to make significant investments in Sri Lanka, citing the nation’s current stability and favourable investment climate. 

The ROX Group delegation expressed their willingness during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (12). 

The delegation was led by Tran Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Advisory Board of ROX Group and Chairman of the Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB). 

The ROX Group delegation further sought government assistance to establish an industrial zone and indicated interest in the renewable energy and real estate sectors. The visit, they said, aimed to identify suitable land and secure the necessary institutional support for these ventures.

President Dissanayake affirmed the government’s commitment to providing all necessary institutional backing for foreign investments, highlighting that a corruption-free environment has now been established in Sri Lanka.

The ROX Group representatives conveyed their satisfaction with the country’s present conditions and reaffirmed their intention to proceed with large-scale investments. (Newswire)

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Against a ticking clock, President Donald Trump said Wednesday the United States has reached a trade agreement with Vietnam, pulling off the administration’s third significant deal ahead of a self-imposed July 9 deadline.

Still, the state of global trade largely remains in flux.

“I just made a Trade Deal with Vietnam,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

In a subsequent post announcing more details, Trump said the United States will charge a 20% tariff for Vietnamese exports into America, and a 40% tariff for “transshipping.” US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in a post on X Wednesday afternoon the “transshipping” tariff means “if another country sells their content through products exported by Vietnam to us — they’ll get hit with a 40% tariff.”

The 20% tariff is double the current minimum tariff rate the US is charging on goods from Vietnam and virtually every other country.

“In return, Vietnam will do something that they have never done before, give the United States of America TOTAL ACCESS to their Markets for Trade,” he added. “In other words, they will ‘OPEN THEIR MARKET TO THE UNITED STATES,’ meaning that, we will be able to sell our product into Vietnam at ZERO Tariff.”

It wasn’t immediately clear if the deal was finalized or whether Vietnam had agreed to what Trump announced. Vietnam’s state-run news outlet, Việt Nam News, reported that General Secretary Tô Lâm and Trump spoke on the phone Wednesday to patch up the terms of the deal, which it referred to as a framework. Vietnam’s US embassy did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.

On the call, “Lâm proposed that the US soon recognize Việt Nam as a market economy and lift export restrictions on certain high-tech products,” the outlet reported.

For months, Trump and his administration have been saying countries were lining up to make trade deals with the United States. But, ahead of July 9, when the 90-day pause on “reciprocal” tariffs ends and levies as high as 50% could go into effect, it’s been mostly crickets. Restoring those historic tariffs risks rocking financial markets and businesses’ plans alike.

Tariff rates on Vietnamese goods shipped to the US were set to rise to a minimum of 46% if the rates Trump announced in April held. Tariffs on Vietnam were among the highest he announced.

The White House has yet to publish any material laying out the details of the deal Trump announced Wednesday morning.

“We’re still putting together the press release,” US Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender told CNBC Wednesday afternoon. He said that would “probably” come out by the end of the trading day Wednesday, which generally refers to 4 p.m. ET. Faulkender didn’t answer whether the 20% tariff would come on top of the already-in-effect 10% tariff on goods from Vietnam or whether 20% would be the new level.

Imports from Vietnam skyrocketed as tariffs on China grew

Vietnam was the sixth-top source of goods the US imported last year, shipping $137 billion worth of goods. That’s more than double the value of goods exported to the US five years prior, according to US Commerce Department data.

Meanwhile, the trade deficit with Vietnam, equal to the value of goods the US exports there minus imports, has risen in tandem. Last year, it was $123 billion, the third-largest trade deficit the US had with any country. Back in 2019 it was $56 billion, the fifth-largest trade deficit with another country.

Trump has taken particular issue with countries that run large and persistent trade deficits with the US, claiming they’re indicative of unfair trade practices. That helps explain why he sought to impose one of the highest “reciprocal” tariff rates on the country.

Vietnam has benefited from the higher tariffs Trump imposed on Chinese goods during his first term that former President Joe Biden largely kept in place. Those tariffs caused more companies to move their production to Vietnam, where tariff rates were lower.

Among the top imports from there are computers and electronics, apparel and accessories and furniture. While China remains the top imported sources of these goods, Vietnam has quickly been catching up.

Shares of companies that have become reliant on Vietnam, including Nike (NKE), Lululemon (LULU) and Columbia Sportswear (COLM), all jumped higher immediately after Trump announced the deal. Nike and Columbia Sportswear held on to their gains, and were up 4.2% and 1.3%, respectively, around 3 p.m. ET. Shares of Lululemon flipped between positive and negative territory Wednesday, but were up 0.7%. VF Corporation (VFC), which owns The North Face and Vans, was up 1.5%.

The S&P 500 was up 0.38% by mid-afternoon, hitting a new intraday record, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.82%. The blue-chip Dow was down 0.1% but pared earlier losses after Trump’s post. (CNN)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s return to Sri Lanka on May 6 aboard a private jet sparked debate in Parliament today, with opposition MPs seeking clarification on who funded the trip.

SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna questioned Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on whether the Vietnamese Government bore the cost.

In response, Minister Herath clarified that the return flight was funded by a UN-affiliated Vietnamese Buddhist society, not the Vietnamese Government itself.

He explained that President Dissanayake had initially declined to attend the UN Vesak festival as chief guest, citing his need to return to Sri Lanka to vote. “However, after travel arrangements were offered by the Buddhist society, he agreed to participate,” the minister said.

Minister Herath assured Parliament that no Sri Lankan public funds were spent on the trip. He also noted that while earlier reports indicated the Vietnamese Government’s involvement, the travel was coordinated with the government and arranged through the UN-affiliated Buddhist committee in Vietnam.

President Dissanayake returned to Colombo on an Embraer Legacy 600 jet, a medium-range executive aircraft. (Newswire)

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This remarkable feat is not just a number; it signifies a deep and transformative shift in India’s economic and innovation landscape.

Over the past decade, India has been laying the foundation for a thriving startup environment.

Today, that vision stands validated. From technology and healthcare to green energy and space research, Indian startups are leaving a distinctive mark on the global stage.

The surge in innovation and patent filings further underscores the depth and originality of the ideas emerging from India’s vibrant entrepreneurial community.

A decade of determination

The journey to this point has been nothing short of inspiring. Government initiatives like Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, and Make in India played a crucial role in creating an ecosystem where ideas could blossom into sustainable enterprises.

Strategic policy frameworks, coupled with increasing private sector enthusiasm, built an environment ripe for innovation.

Minister Singh rightly highlighted the “significant gains” made not just in the quantity, but the quality of innovation.

In recent years, India has witnessed a dramatic uptick in patent filings, a clear indication that startups are not just replicating global trends but are pioneering original ideas.

According to official data, patent registrations by Indian entities have more than doubled over the past five years — a testimony to the maturing innovation landscape.

The innovation economy

Innovation has now become the cornerstone of India’s economic growth story.

Areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, green hydrogen, fintech, and space technology are witnessing explosive growth, driven largely by nimble startups hungry to solve complex problems.

Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Gurugram have turned into global hubs of creativity, teeming with startupsthat are redefining how the world views Indian entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, tier-II and tier-III cities are increasingly emerging as the new frontiers of startup activity, thanks to enhanced digital connectivity, localised incubators, and robust mentorship networks.

This democratisation of innovation across the country ensures that India’s growth story is truly inclusive, bringing opportunities to every corner of the nation.

Powering the patent boom

A noteworthy trend accompanying the startup surge has been India’s rise in patent filings.

Filing a patent is more than a bureaucratic process; it reflects a culture that values intellectual property, originality, and long-term investment in research and development.

Indian startups are now increasingly embedding R&D into their core DNA, moving beyond a service-provider mindset to a product-first, innovation-led approach.

Whether it’s developing indigenous drone technologies, crafting world-class SaaS platforms, or advancing solutions in renewable energy, startups are setting global benchmarks.

Government efforts such as simplifying patent application processes, reducing fees for startups, and raising awareness about intellectual property rights have paid rich dividends.

Institutions like the Indian Patent Office have also modernised to keep pace with the volume and sophistication of filings, making India an even more attractive destination for innovation-driven enterprises.

A magnet for global investment

India’s third-place global ranking is not just a matter of national pride — it also sends a powerful message to global investors.

Venture capitalists, private equity firms, and strategic investors worldwide are recognising the unique energy and resilience of Indian startups.

According to industry reports, startupfunding in India touched record highs in 2024, and 2025 is on track to surpass those figures.

Beyond just capital, foreign investors are bringing mentorship, market access, and deep domain expertise, enabling Indian startups to compete and thrive internationally.

The country’s strong emphasis on technology, a large young demographic, and government support for ease of doing business make India an irresistible magnet for innovation-driven capital.

Building a future-ready workforce

One of the most heartening aspects of India’s startup ascent has been the emergence of a highly skilled, future-ready workforce.

Universities, technical institutes, and private education players have increasingly aligned their programmes to nurture entrepreneurial skills and innovation capabilities.

Hackathons, innovation challenges, and startup boot camps have become part of the mainstream academic experience.

Today’s graduates are not just looking for jobs; they are building companies, products, and solutions.

The growing collaboration between academia, industry, and government will only strengthen this virtuous cycle.

Moreover, the startup ecosystem has fostered a culture of risk-taking — a significant cultural shift for a country that historically prized stability and traditional career paths.

Young Indians today dream of creating the next unicorn rather than securing a conventional corporate job.

This cultural transformation will be the bedrock of India’s innovation economy for decades to come.

Global leadership in innovation

As India celebrates its ascent to the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, there is a palpable sense that this is just the beginning. The nation’s ambitions stretch far beyond rankings.

With a strong push towards emerging sectors like deep tech, quantum computing, and sustainability solutions, India is well poised to become not just a participant but a global leader in shaping the future of industries.

Minister Jitendra Singh’s announcement is a recognition of countless entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, and dreamers who dared to challenge conventions and innovate for a better tomorrow.

It also places a renewed responsibility on policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to nurture and sustain this momentum.

As the world looks for fresh ideas and sustainable innovations, India stands ready — a beacon of creativity, resilience, and enterprise.

The country’s startup story is a testament to what happens when talent meets opportunity, and vision meets execution.

The future is indeed bright, and it’s being written in the vibrant co-working spaces, incubators, and coffee shops of India’s ever-expanding startup universe. (Vietnam Times)

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The holy relics of Lord Buddha, enshrined at a vihara in Uttar Pradesh’s Sarnath, reached Ho Chi Minh City on Friday in an IAF aircraft for an exposition during the gala celebrations of the United Nations Day of Vesak being hosted by Vietnam.

Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Tourism and Culture of Andhra Pradesh Kandula Durgesh, revered monks and senior officials from India accompanied the sacred relics, which were transported by the special aircraft, the government said in a statement.

Mr Rijiju is leading the government delegation to Vietnam.

“Arrived in Vietnam leading the high-level Indian delegation with the Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha. Grand ceremonial reception was accorded by the Govt of Vietnam & Vietnam Buddhist Sanghas. The Holy Relics will be in Vietnam from 2nd-21st May 2025 for UN Vesak Day celebrations,” Mr Rijiju posted on X and also shared some photos.

The visit is taking place in the context of the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak celebrations being hosted by Vietnam from May 6-8, the Ministry of Minority Affairs said in a statement on Friday.

The holy relics of Lord Buddha were transported to Vietnam by the special IAF aircraft from the Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad, befitting the status of a “State Guest”, officials said on Thursday.

The sacred relics were ceremonially brought to Delhi on Wednesday and placed in a “special protected enclosure” at the National Museum for prayers for a couple of hours.

On Thursday evening, the holy relics were taken from the National Museum to the Hindan Air Base with full “state honours” in a “special bulletproof vehicle” after rituals at the museum for their onward journey to Vietnam.

The aircraft arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday morning.

The holy relics were received by Dao Ngoc Dung, Minister of Religious and Ethnic Affairs of Vietnam, Duong Ngoc Hai, Standing Vice-Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Supreme Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Thich Tri Quang and venerable monks of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the statement said.

Special ceremonial prayers were held at the airport on arrival, followed by prayers led by the Supreme Patriarch of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and the enshrinement of the holy relics at Thanh Tam Monastery, Ho Chi Minh City, it said.

“On the occasion, a sapling of the Sacred Bodhi Tree brought from India was planted by the visiting minister from India and the Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at the Buddhist University, Ho Chi Minh City,” the statement said.

In Vietnam, the sacred relics will be ceremoniously enshrined, venerated and worshipped at several important sites, the culture ministry earlier said.

The holy relics will be at the Thanh Tam Monastery from May 2-7, followed by their exposition in the Tay Ninh, Ha Noi and Ha Nam provinces till May 21, it said.

The sacred relics have been provided through the Mahabodhi Society of India and the National Museum of the government of India with the support of the International Buddha Confederation.

The holy relics hold special significance for the Buddhist community around the world, and their exposition in Vietnam is taking place for the first time.

“India treasures the strong bonds between the people of India and Vietnam and wish that the visit of holy relics to Vietnam and other related activities will further deepen these close ties between India and Vietnam,” it said. (NDTV)

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Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and one Agreement were signed today (05 May) between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and President of Vietnam, Luong Cuong.

According to Sri Lanka’s Presidential Media Division (PMD), the signing took place following bilateral discussions held at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi earlier this morning.

Among the agreements signed was a bilateral pact on enhancing cooperation and mutual support in customs affairs between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Additionally, an MoU between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka on cooperation in machinery and equipment manufacturing, an MoU between the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Agriculture of Sri Lanka on cooperation in agriculture, an MoU between the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) of Sri Lanka and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and an MoU between the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board on trade promotion cooperation were also signed.

These agreements aim to facilitate knowledge sharing and the exchange of diplomats, experts, officials, scholars and researchers, while also encouraging the organization and participation in academic and research programmes, training initiatives and conferences related to diplomacy.

They also provide a platform for a broad range of trade promotion activities, including the exchange of trade and market intelligence, joint participation in trade fairs and exhibitions in both countries, and the organization of business networking events for private sector representatives.

According to the PMD, it is expected that this enhanced cooperation will unlock significant market opportunities for both countries, particularly in the sectors of value-added agriculture, fisheries, apparel and Processed food. (Newswire)

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