Hyderabad, April 29 -- Fifty years ago, the savage two-decade-long war between the USA and Vietnam ended on 30 April 1975. It was a complicated and bitter conflict that eventually drew in neighbouring countries, Cambodia and Laos. The war took an enormous toll on both sides. Estimates of Vietnamese soldiers and civilians killed range from about one million to three million. A huge number of US defence personnel also lost their lives.

Large tracts of land in South Vietnam were sprayed with toxic chemicals, leading to serious health issues among those exposed-issues that persist to this day. Babies are still being born with deformities, and potable water remains difficult to obtain in affected areas.

Yet despite all the setbacks, the coun...