Indian expert appreciative of Vietnamese “Bamboo diplomacy” in int’l relations

In a recent media exchange, the expert said that the “bamboo diplomacy” characteristic demonstrates the nation’s steadiness in policy and flexibility in external relations based on the Ho Chi Minh ideology, as well as its own national interest.

It indicates the country’s great attention to the role of multilateralism in settling global issues, said Pradhan.

He noted that over the years the “bamboo diplomacy” school has helped the nation to reap important achievements in external relations amid a complicated world situation.

The policy has helped to raise the Vietnamese position within the international arena and to ensure the country's continued economic growth, said the expert, noting that the nation has so far established strategic partnership with countries from different blocs. This has helped to ensure the maintenance of independence and protection of national interests.

In terms of economics, the nation has enjoyed fast growth at 8.02% in 2022, higher than the forecast by both the IMF and World Bank. Indeed, the country’s total import-export revenue last year grew 9.5% to US$732.5 billion, he added.

He stated that the “bamboo diplomacy” school should be popularised and added to research topics of academic organisations.

Pradhan went on to hail Vietnamese contributions to building an environment of peace and prosperity in the world, especially as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020 to 2021 tenure and ASEAN Chair in 2020. In the period, the country chaired more than 30 meetings to discuss security issues in the Middle East, Colombia, the Central African Republic, and West Africa, whilst also evaluating operations of peacekeeping missions in Yemen, Cyprus, and Libya, the expert said.

With regard to the relationship between India and Vietnam over the years, Pradhan said that the two sides have shared the same approach. Both have emphasised the significance of maintaining peace and security for economic development, along with the role of multilateralism, while sharing friendly relationships with other countries, he added.

The expert stated that the two sides should continue co-ordinating actions at multilateral forums to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Furthermore, both countries need to become production and processing centres to promote their role as trade bridges between the East and the West. Along with this, Vietnam and India should step up collaboration in developing advanced technology to promote economic growth, while bolstering defence ties, he added.