Vietnam’s role as a partner country at the 18th BRICS Summit in India this weekend aims to broaden the bloc’s economic and diplomatic influence, according to analysts. The visit by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung coincides with BRICS’ expansion to 11 full members and 10 partner nations, altering global governance structures amid growing divisions in established institutions.
The summit, led by India’s presidency, has featured 350 meetings, including 22 ministerial sessions addressing trade, energy, finance, and health. These gatherings emphasize a shift toward cooperation outside traditional systems, prioritizing development and inclusive solutions.
Prof. Reena Marwah, a lecturer at the University of Delhi and Secretary General of the Association of Asian Scholars, pointed to Vietnam’s position in global trade networks as a valuable contribution to BRICS discussions. The country’s adaptability, deep integration, and independent foreign policy make it well-suited to address challenges in trade, connectivity, and economic balance.
Vietnam’s track record in managing global supply chains—through frameworks like the Regional Full Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Full and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)ASEAN, a region known for strong internal trade ties, also strengthens potential links with the bloc.
This shared approach goes beyond economics. Vietnam’s pursuit of a multipolar world order, where cooperation is built on equal footing rather than alignment with dominant powers, aligns with BRICS’ own principles.
Financial Options and Strategic Ties
For Vietnam, BRICS provides new financial options. The bloc’s Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) and New Development Bank (NDB) could improve access to funding, reduce dependence on conventional lenders, and lower costs for infrastructure projects. These resources may also support Vietnam’s shift to renewable energy, particularly through collaboration with India, a major energy consumer.
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India and Vietnam have raised their partnership to a Full Strategic Partnership, with a goal of reaching $25 billion in annual trade by 2030. Advances in technical standards, quarantine procedures, and non-tariff barriers could further boost commerce, especially in agriculture and clean energy sectors. India has already launched numerous NDB-funded projects and can share experience with Vietnam, particularly as Vietnam is rapidly developing its seaport system.
Both nations share interests in pharmaceuticals, digital transactions, and technology infrastructure. Vietnam’s success in global supply chains—despite its smaller population—provides lessons for India, while India’s scale in energy and manufacturing could complement Vietnam’s strengths in trade and logistics.
Bridging ASEAN and Global South
Marwah observed that Vietnam can play a bridging role between BRICS and ASEAN, which already enjoys relatively high intra-bloc integration and considerable potential to expand trade with BRICS. Vietnam’s experience within ASEAN could help BRICS address tariff and non-tariff barriers, delivering direct benefits to businesses and consumers.
Furthermore, with its extensive network of linkages through major economic frameworks such as RCEP and CPTPP, Vietnam is well positioned to serve as a bridge between developed economies in the Global North and countries in the Global South.
Marwah also noted that Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, along with its principle of avoiding excessive dependence on any single country, positions it well to play a connecting role in an increasingly multipolar international structure.
The 18th BRICS Summit could mark an important milestone not only for BRICS but also for Vietnam, India relations. Vietnam is not merely a “connecting point” but can also serve as a “catalyst” generating convergence and synergistic strength among different cooperation mechanisms.
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With global trade networks still under strain, Vietnam’s ability to maintain autonomy while engaging with partners could establish a model for smaller economies operating in complex systems. The summit’s emphasis on development and fairness reflects Vietnam’s own foreign policy focus, which centers on self-sufficiency and strategic flexibility.
The expert added that Vietnam’s participation highlights its growing role in shaping multilateral frameworks. India’s leadership of the summit has already positioned the bloc as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions. The inclusion of Vietnam, along with other emerging economies, signals BRICS’ intent to create an alternative model for global cooperation. This shift could have lasting effects on trade policies and financial arrangements worldwide.
Concrete Outcomes and Future Impact
For now, the focus remains on the immediate outcomes of the BRICS summit. Vietnam’s engagement with the bloc is expected to produce concrete agreements on trade facilitation, infrastructure financing, and sustainable development, areas where both sides have demonstrated mutual interest.
The summit’s discussions on supply chain resilience may also yield practical benefits for Vietnam, particularly as it seeks to diversify its economic partnerships beyond traditional allies.
India’s role as host has already drawn attention to the bloc’s potential as a forum for non-Western economic cooperation. With Vietnam’s involvement, the summit takes on added significance as a platform for discussing alternatives to established global governance models.