Defence Minister A. K Antony on Tuesday paid homage on behalf of the nation to General Vo Nguyen Giap, the brilliant commander who brought victory for Vietnam in many wars.
Gen. Giap passed away in Hanoi on October 4 at the age of 102.
Antony, who went to the Vietnamese Embassy today, offered his deepest condolences on behalf of Government of India, and said that India shared the grief of the people of Vietnam on the passing of one of their most respected national heroes.
He said Gen Giap's leadership of Vietnam's national liberation had evoked the admiration of the Indian people.
"He shall remain an inspiration to people all over the world," he added.
This was the first public engagement of Antony, since he got discharged from the hospital nearly after a month.
The Indian defence delegation members led by Antony were the last foreign visitors who were received by Gen Giap and his wife at their modest residence in Hanoi on December 2007.