(VOVworld) – A painting contest took place in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday as part of activities to mark India’s 68^th Independence Day on August 15^th. Addressing the event, deputy chairwoman of the Vietnam-India Friendship Association in Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Thi Thanh Xuan said Vietnam and India have long term, traditional, friendly relations and similarities in culture, arts, and religions. She added the two countries’ ties have been promoted to a higher level in various fields with stronger mutual support seen at regional and global political and economic forums. Ms Smita Pant, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed her belief that bilateral ties will continue to grow in the future.