From 6 to 8 July 2025, H.E. Ambassador of Vietnam to India Nguyen Thanh Hai paid an official visit to the State of West Bengal with the aim of strengthening the traditional friendship and enhancing cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, investment, culture, and people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and West Bengal in general, and the city of Kolkata in particular. Accompanying the Ambassador were Mr. Le Quang Bien, Consul General of Vietnam in Mumbai, officials of the Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi, and the Head of the VOV Representative Office in India.
During the visit, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal; laid a floral tribute at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh; held a working session with the Bharat Chamber of Commerce; visited the India–Vietnam Solidarity Committee; and presented books to the “Vietnam Corner” at the National Library in Kolkata.
During the meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai congratulated the State on its notable socio-economic achievements and improvements in the well-being of its people. The Ambassador recalled the heartfelt support extended by the people of West Bengal to Vietnam’s struggle for national independence and reunification. He noted that President Ho Chi Minh visited West Bengal three times—in 1911, 1946, and 1958—reflecting the longstanding historical ties between the two sides.
The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the recent progress in Vietnam–West Bengal cooperation, especially in terms of connectivity, with the operation of daily direct flights between Kolkata and Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the establishment of direct maritime routes between Kolkata Port and Vietnamese ports (Hai Phong, Cua Lo, Chu Lai). Building upon the foundation of these traditional and modern linkages, the Ambassador proposed to further promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation, particularly in sectors such as fisheries, food processing technology, and port infrastructure. He also proposed enhancing people-to-people exchanges, including tourism cooperation, cultural exchanges, sister-city arrangements, and support for the activities of the India–Vietnam Solidarity Committee.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee commended Vietnam’s remarkable socio-economic development in recent years. She underscored Kolkata’s position as the largest city in Northeast India and a strategic gateway for the region’s engagement with Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. The Chief Minister welcomed business and investment delegations from Vietnam to attend upcoming investment summits in West Bengal and encouraged Vietnamese enterprises to consider investing in the State. She agreed to promote cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, including exchanges of cultural and artistic troupes and film festivals. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also shared key achievements and policies of West Bengal in areas such as poverty reduction, healthcare, education, agriculture, and women’s empowerment. She noted that the State recorded double-digit economic growth in fiscal year 2024–2025, has a population of over 120 million, and is endowed with abundant mineral resources. She affirmed the State’s desire to strengthen multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam.
In his meeting with the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai reviewed the traditional ties between Vietnam and West Bengal/Kolkata and briefed participants on Vietnam’s recent development policies and emerging opportunities. He encouraged Indian enterprises to strengthen trade and investment relations with Vietnam and actively participate in trade fairs and promotion events organized by both sides. The Ambassador proposed the establishment of a Vietnam Working Group under the Chamber and the launch of a West Bengal–Vietnam Innovation Forum to promote bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
On this occasion, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai also held a working session with the India–Vietnam Solidarity Committee. The Ambassador updated the Committee on Vietnam’s recent socio-economic development and reform progress, and expressed gratitude for the Committee’s long-standing friendship and sincere support for President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam since its founding in 1978. He reaffirmed the commitment of Vietnam’s representative missions in India to continuing their close collaboration and support for the Committee’s efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Mr. Salim, Chairman of the India–Vietnam Solidarity Committee and Politburo Member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), welcomed the Ambassador’s visit to West Bengal, commended Vietnam’s impressive development, and affirmed the Committee’s enduring solidarity with and support for Vietnam, as it had done during Vietnam’s struggle for national independence. He also proposed several initiatives to strengthen comprehensive relations between West Bengal and Vietnam.
Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai’s visit to West Bengal was a success, generating renewed momentum to advance the traditional friendship and multi-sectoral cooperation between Vietnam and the State of West Bengal, particularly with the city of Kolkata.
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