Vietnam PM's India Visit for BRICS 2026 Opens New Chapter

Vietnam’s engagement with India ahead of the 2026 BRICS Summit is expected to deepen strategic cooperation across trade, defence, technology and connectivity, while strengthening coordination between ASEAN, BRICS and the wider Global South.

Vietnam Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s proposed visit to India is expected to provide fresh momentum to the two countries’ enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership, with cooperation likely to focus on trade, technology, defence, connectivity and coordination through multilateral platforms. The engagement comes as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026.

Vietnam has reaffirmed its support for India’s growing role in international affairs, including its leadership of BRICS in 2026. The two countries have also strengthened their partnership by upgrading bilateral ties to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, creating a broader framework for cooperation across economic, security and emerging technology sectors.

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Economic cooperation is expected to remain an important component of the relationship. India and Vietnam are seeking to increase bilateral trade and expand investment across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, digital technologies, energy and infrastructure. Both sides have also expressed an ambition to raise bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030, reflecting the growing importance of the relationship within India’s Act East policy and Vietnam’s engagement with major regional economies.

Defence and maritime security are another key pillar. India and Vietnam have expanded defence exchanges, military training and cooperation in areas linked to maritime security and capacity building. Their growing engagement assumes greater significance in the Indo-Pacific, where both countries have an interest in maintaining a rules-based regional order and freedom of navigation.

Technology and digital cooperation are also gaining prominence. The two countries are exploring collaboration in innovation, digital transformation, emerging technologies and resilient supply chains. These areas could create opportunities for Indian and Vietnamese companies to participate in regional production and technology networks.

The BRICS platform adds a multilateral dimension to the relationship. Vietnam became a BRICS Partner Country, while India has sought greater participation from partner countries in the grouping’s activities. Hanoi’s support for India’s BRICS chairship could strengthen coordination between ASEAN and BRICS, particularly on issues affecting developing economies and the Global South.

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The expected engagement therefore comes at a significant juncture for India-Vietnam relations. With expanding economic ties, deeper defence cooperation and stronger multilateral coordination, the partnership is positioned to become an important component of India’s wider Indo-Pacific and Act East strategy.