Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart Lê Minh Hưng discussed ways to expand cooperation in defence, energy and rare earth minerals at a meeting on the margins of the Brics Summit on Saturday.
Modi said on social media that he had productive discussions with Hung on deepening defence and security cooperation, including a proposed 2+2 mechanism of the defence and foreign ministers.
They also discussed the expansion of cooperation in energy, rare earths and space, he said.
Modi and Hung reviewed the progress in bilateral ties since they were elevated to an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership during Vietnam President To Lam’s visit to India in May. They also discussed regional and global issues. Modi also held a separate meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia, one of the newer members of Brics. Ali is on his first visit to India. They also discussed regional and international developments. The two sides continue to work closely on multilateral cooperation.
Earlier reporting noted: Vietnam is among the BRICS 10 partner countries. The Vietnamese Prime Minister’s visit comes as India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit under its 2026 Chairmanship on September 12-13.
“Vietnam will always remain a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision,” Modi said. Modi said on social media his talks with Ali covered defence, capacity building, investment linkages, critical minerals, clean energy and healthcare. “Together, we will also strengthen India-Africa ties and amplify the voice of the Global South,” Modi said. The external affairs ministry said the two leaders held discussions to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership and reviewed progress in key sectors such as economic cooperation, defence and security partnership, and capacity building. India’s Chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation forming key areas of focus. Earlier reporting noted: According to the MEA, India and Vietnam share an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underpinned by longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation expanding across defence and security, fintech, critical minerals and other emerging areas.
Earlier reporting noted: PM Modi, Vietnam counterpart Le Minh Hung hold bilateral talks as BRICS leaders converge in Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Le Minh Hung, Vietnamese Prime Minister, in New Delhi on Saturday, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit.
