Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Modi, Vietnam’s Hung Discuss Defence, Energy and Critical Minerals
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung during the BRICS Summit.
They talked about working more closely on defence and security.
They also discussed energy, rare earths, critical minerals and space.
The leaders considered creating regular talks between their defence and foreign ministers.
India and Vietnam want to increase their trade to $25 billion by 2030.
They also want stronger investment and cultural ties.
Modi said Vietnam is important to India’s engagement with Southeast Asia and the Global South.
Modi also met Ethiopia’s prime minister to discuss cooperation in several areas, including clean energy and healthcare.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung held wide-ranging talks on the margins of the BRICS Summit.
The discussions covered defence, security, energy, rare earths, critical minerals and space cooperation.
The leaders considered a proposed two-plus-two mechanism involving their defence and foreign ministers.
India and Vietnam are working toward $25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and greater two-way investment.
Modi separately met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to discuss defence, investment, critical minerals, clean energy and healthcare.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung; Modi also met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
- What
- They discussed expanding bilateral cooperation, including defence, security, energy, critical minerals, rare earths, space, investment and healthcare.
- When
- Saturday, September 12; the year is not specified in the report.
- Where
- On the margins of the BRICS Summit; the report is datelined New Delhi.
- Why
- To review progress in their partnerships and strengthen bilateral, regional and Global South cooperation.
- India-Vietnam trade target
- The two countries are working toward USD 25 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
- Proposed mechanism
- India and Vietnam discussed a proposed two-plus-two mechanism involving their defence and foreign ministers.
- Main cooperation areas
- Defence, security, energy, rare earths, critical minerals and space.
- Strategic partnership
- India and Vietnam reviewed progress since their ties were elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Vietnam’s regional role
- Modi described Vietnam as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision.
- India-Ethiopia discussions
- Modi and Abiy Ahmed Ali discussed defence, capacity building, investment linkages, critical minerals, clean energy and healthcare.