HANOI — An Indian academic told Vietnam‑based broadcaster VOV.VN that Hanoi’s growing diplomatic clout could allow it to play a pivotal role in steering the future direction of both the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations (UN).
The scholar, speaking on a VOV.VN program, argued that Vietnam’s “strategic location, economic dynamism and active participation in multilateral fora” position it to influence agenda‑setting within ASEAN, particularly as the bloc prepares for its 2026 summit cycle. He added that Vietnam’s contributions to UN peacekeeping, climate‑action initiatives and its advocacy for a rules‑based international order give it credibility to shape discussions at the UN General Assembly and Security Council reform debates.
The remarks came amid broader regional discussions about ASEAN’s capacity to respond to geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and the Indo‑Pacific. Vietnam, a founding member of ASEAN, has recently increased its engagement with partner countries, hosting high‑level dialogues and expanding trade ties with India, Japan and the European Union.
Analysis: The scholar’s comments underscore a trend of emerging economies seeking greater voice in established multilateral institutions. Vietnam’s rising foreign‑direct investment inflows, estimated at $30 billion in 2025, and its active role in UN peacekeeping missions—contributing over 2,000 personnel—provide tangible leverage. However, influencing ASEAN’s consensus‑driven decision‑making will require navigating divergent interests among member states, especially on security issues involving China. Likewise, any push for UN reform faces entrenched resistance from permanent Security Council members.
The interview did not cite specific policy proposals, and the scholar did not identify concrete mechanisms for Vietnam to translate its “soft power” into formal decision‑making authority. Observers note that while Vietnam’s diplomatic outreach is expanding, its ability to shape outcomes will depend on sustained coalition‑building within ASEAN and alignment with broader international partners.
Sources
– VOV.VN report via Google News India Politics, “Vietnam can help shape the future of ASEAN and the United Nations: Indian scholar.” https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi2AFBVV95cUxOcE1ZZkpuS0Ywc2hKeTVqWmd5QzB1UnVybXE2ZFRjUnFJX3YxbmF4VkNLOTRBUElYTnZhS1c5MFN0Nmk5ZmE1OERIaHdrMUxDMldjZkpuT2JseTUtdzJmS3hUYXAxYUxvem1hVzJWeV9zZzJac2RoMGJraDR5MUlTeng3Y1dCcTFTeXlxS3lUZ1lrMm4wX0czVktrR3ZtNUtzMnFFZFduMkFhZDUzemR6WlJzX1NMWWUzUnM2Q0UyS3BaXzhtMFdGYWdDbGIyYlFyVWtzVDRuUzk?oc=5
Story synopsis gathered from: Google News India Politics — source
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