The Cultural Imprint of The Indian Diaspora in Southern Vietnam and Its Strategic Role in Vietnam-India Cultural Diplomacy: The Case of Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

Southern Vietnam, historically distinguished by its profound cultural syncretism, has cultivated a diverse demographic landscape. Within this milieu, the Indian-origin diaspora, predominantly concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), has established enduring cultural imprints spanning religious architecture, gastronomy, and holistic lifestyle practices. In the contemporary geopolitical era, this community transcends its historical identity as a migrant population, emerging as a vital "living bridge" in Vietnam's international integration strategy. This paper investigates the contemporary cultural practices and heritage preservation of the Indian diaspora in HCMC to elucidate their strategic role in catalyzing Vietnam-India cultural diplomacy. Employing ethnographic fieldwork, historical analysis, and interdisciplinary frameworks, the study reveals that the diaspora operates a localized "heritage economy" and sustains robust grassroots public diplomacy. By functioning as an organic "cultural filter," they facilitate the Vietnamese public's receptivity to India's soft power. Ultimately, the research argues that recognizing and institutionalizing the diaspora’s socio-cultural resources is imperative for deepening the Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the Indo-Pacific context.