Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 7 (ANI): Vietnam’s Ambassador to India, Nguyen Thanh Hai, on Sunday underscored the growing economic and strategic partnership between Vietnam and India, highlighting a bilateral trade target of USD 15 billion and Vietnam’s new role as a BRICS partner country.
Speaking to ANI during his visit to Kolkata, Ambassador Hai praised the steady progress in trade and investment relations. “Currently, we have seen fine development in our trade and investment cooperation,” he said.
He attributed the success to “strong political cooperation, traditional friendship, and the comprehensive and strategic partnership” between the two countries. “With that development, trade and investment have been growing well over the last few years. The potential is huge,” he noted.
During his Kolkata visit, Hai held discussions with the Bharat Chamber of Commerce to explore further opportunities for economic collaboration. “We are working with the government agencies of India, and in this visit, I had a conversation with Bharat Chamber of Commerce in West Bengal about ways to promote trade, investment, and cooperation even further,” he added.
Expressing optimism about the future of the relationship, Hai reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening ties. “We are committed and optimistic about the potential and the future of the Vietnam-India partnership. Right now, we have a trade target of USD 15 billion,” he said.
Vietnam Joins BRICS as Partner Country
As Vietnam deepens its bilateral ties with India, it has also taken a significant step onto the global stage. In June 2025, Brazil’s Foreign Ministry announced Vietnam’s inclusion as one of the ten BRICS partner countries, marking a milestone in its international engagement.
The partner-country category was established at the XVI BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024, expanding the group’s outreach. Alongside Vietnam, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan were also welcomed as BRICS partner nations.
The joint declaration of the 17th BRICS Summit, held this weekend in Rio de Janeiro, stated: “We welcome Indonesia as a BRICS member, as well as Belarus, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Uganda, and Uzbekistan as BRICS partner countries.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attending the BRICS Summit in Rio, thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his hospitality and the successful organization of the summit. During the session on “Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance,” PM Modi said the expansion of BRICS and inclusion of new partners reflected the group’s ability to adapt to changing times. He also called for reforming global institutions like the United Nations Security Council, World Trade Organization, and multilateral development banks to better serve contemporary needs.
The 17th BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6–7, 2025, bringing together leaders to deliberate on key issues of global governance, security, and development. (ANI)
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