Vietnam Airlines Continues as the Official Airline Partner for the Third Consecutive Year
When art, culture, and travel come together, they create bridges that transcend borders. That spirit was beautifully captured when Vietnam Airlines and Innovations India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), confirming the airline as the Official Airline Partner for the 4th Edition of the Namaste Vietnam Festival, curated by Captain Rahul Bali.
This much-anticipated cultural celebration will take place in the breathtaking Ninh Binh Province of Vietnam from 17th to 20th November 2025, bringing together artists, filmmakers, dignitaries, and tourism leaders from both India and Vietnam.
A Celebration of Shared Vision
The MoU was signed by Nguyen Trung Hieu, General Manager – India Operations of Vietnam Airlines, and Captain Rahul Bali, Managing Director of Innovations India and Curator of the Namaste Vietnam Festival. The signing ceremony, held in the presence of Tran Thi Lan Huong, First Secretary (Trade), Embassy of Vietnam in India, marked not just an agreement — but a continuation of a beautiful journey of friendship and cultural exchange.
Prominent Vietnamese dignitaries, including Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism; Dr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of the Vietnam Authority of Tourism; and Tran Song Tung, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh, have already extended their support to the festival, underscoring its growing diplomatic importance.
Three Years, One Vision
This partnership marks the third consecutive year of collaboration between Vietnam Airlines and Innovations India. Together, they’ve championed tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, strengthening the people-to-people ties that bind India and Vietnam. Over the years, Vietnam Airlines has proudly served as the Official Airline Partner for the 2023 and 2024 editions of the festival, proving that culture and connectivity can truly fly hand in hand.
An Honour Beyond Borders
In a touching moment following the signing, Mr. Nguyen Trung Hieu presented Captain Rahul Bali with the prestigious Vietnam Airlines Excellence Award. The honour recognized Captain Bali’s remarkable efforts in promoting Vietnam as a global destination through his films and festivals.
Calling him “a true cultural diplomat,” Mr. Hieu praised Captain Bali for “boosting trade and tourism between India and Vietnam through creative initiatives like the Namaste Vietnam Festival and the film Love in Vietnam.” He further added, “Films and festivals are powerful engines of tourism — they shape perceptions and inspire people to travel.”
Accepting the award, a visibly moved Captain Rahul Bali said, “I am both overwhelmed and humbled by this recognition from Vietnam Airlines — the national carrier of Vietnam. Awards like these keep me motivated to continue creating films and festivals that bring nations closer together.”
The Festival Ahead
The upcoming Namaste Vietnam Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of friendship, art, and cultural harmony. The star-studded lineup includes beloved Indian actors Riya Sen, Divya Agarwal, Donal Bisht, and Niharica Raizada, along with acclaimed filmmakers Rahat Shah Kazmi and Chandrakant Singh.
Adding cinematic gravitas, industry leaders Dhruv Sinha and Aashish Singh, representing Reliance Entertainment and Red Chillies Entertainment (owned by superstar Shah Rukh Khan), will join the event to explore future collaborations in film and co-productions between India and Vietnam.
The festival will also welcome a delegation of India’s top tour operators and wedding planners, who will discover Vietnam’s scenic beauty as an emerging destination for tourism and destination weddings.
A grand red carpet opening ceremony awaits guests at the stunning Tam Chuc International Convention Centre, followed by interactive seminars on film cooperation and tourism collaboration — creating a platform for cross-cultural partnerships to flourish.
A Continuing Journey
Since 2023, Vietnam Airlines and Innovations India have shared a common dream — to build bridges through culture. Their collaboration has already produced milestones like the India–Vietnam co-production film “Love in Vietnam,” produced by Captain Rahul Bali, which opened a new chapter in cinematic diplomacy between the two nations.
As preparations unfold for the 2025 edition, the Namaste Vietnam Festival stands as more than just an event — it is a symbol of how creativity, collaboration, and goodwill can unite nations.
And as Vietnam Airlines continues to carry this message across the skies, the story of India and Vietnam’s friendship soars higher with every flight — and every film that celebrates their shared journey.
