India–Vietnam Friendship: Harish Chandra Attends the 81st National Day Celebration of Vietnam in New Delhi
India–Vietnam Friendship: A Proud Moment of Diplomacy, Business and International Relations
International relationships are built not only through official meetings and agreements but also through friendship, mutual respect and meaningful conversations between people from different nations. Such occasions provide an opportunity to understand different cultures, strengthen professional relationships and explore new possibilities for cooperation.
The 81st National Day Celebration of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in New Delhi was one such memorable occasion, bringing together distinguished dignitaries, diplomats, business leaders and personalities from different professional backgrounds.
For Harish Chandra, MSME Consultant, Chairman of Star International MSME Forum, Founder of United Consultancy & Services (UCS) and Startup Guru, attending this prestigious celebration was a matter of great honour. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding friendship between India and Vietnam while recognising the importance of international cooperation and business development.
The celebration was also a reminder that global relationships can open new doors for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, exporters and small businesses looking to expand beyond domestic markets.
Vietnam’s 81st National Day Celebration in New Delhi
The 81st National Day Celebration of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam was held in New Delhi in an atmosphere of friendship, cultural appreciation and diplomatic goodwill.
Harish Chandra was graciously invited to the occasion by H.E. Mr. Trinh Minh Manh, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to India. The invitation made the evening especially meaningful, providing an opportunity to join distinguished guests in celebrating Vietnam’s national occasion and its relationship with India.
National Day celebrations are important because they bring people together to recognise a country’s history, achievements, culture and international partnerships. For guests from the business community, such events also create an environment where conversations can develop into lasting professional relationships.
The gathering reflected the value of people-to-people connections alongside formal diplomatic engagement. It highlighted how cultural understanding and personal interaction can contribute to stronger international relationships.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Graces the Celebration as Chief Guest
The celebration was graced by Hon’ble Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, as the Chief Guest.
His presence added significance to the occasion, which celebrated the relationship between India and Vietnam and the importance of maintaining constructive international partnerships.
India and Vietnam have developed a strong relationship over the years, supported by diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation, cultural exchange and shared interests in regional stability.
Events that bring together government representatives, diplomats and members of the business community provide an opportunity to recognise these connections and encourage further engagement.
For entrepreneurs and MSME representatives, the participation of distinguished public figures also underlines the wider importance of international cooperation in creating an environment where trade, investment and business collaboration can grow.
An Evening of Distinguished Guests and International Networking
One of the most memorable aspects of the celebration was the opportunity to meet and interact with respected personalities from different fields.
Harish Chandra had the pleasure of meeting his friends and distinguished guests, including:
- Dr. Sandeep Marwah – Founder of Noida Film City and Marwah Studios.
- Shri T. K. Pandey – Distinguished guest.
- Vicky Ahuja – Bollywood singer.
- Shri Alok Mittal – Distinguished guest.
- H.E. Mr. Erick Jean-Marie Zinsou – Ambassador of the Republic of Benin to India.
- H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to India.
- Other respected ambassadors, diplomats, business leaders and distinguished dignitaries.
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Meeting people from different professional and international backgrounds makes such occasions valuable beyond the formal celebration itself. Every conversation offers a chance to exchange perspectives, learn about different industries and understand the possibilities for future cooperation.
For someone working closely with entrepreneurs and MSMEs, these interactions are particularly meaningful. Business growth often begins with trust, communication and the willingness to explore new ideas together.
The evening was therefore not simply a celebration of a national occasion. It was also an opportunity to appreciate the importance of international friendship and professional networking.
India–Vietnam Relations and the Growing Importance of Global Business
India and Vietnam share a longstanding relationship based on mutual respect, economic engagement and strategic cooperation. Their partnership has developed across several areas, including trade, investment, education, technology, defence and cultural exchange.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries reflects the importance both nations place on strengthening their cooperation.
For Indian businesses, Vietnam is an important country to understand when exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia. Its manufacturing base, regional trade connections and developing industrial ecosystem make it relevant for companies considering international expansion.
Similarly, Indian businesses can bring their experience, products, services and capabilities to new markets through suitable partnerships and carefully planned trade relationships.
However, successful international expansion requires more than identifying a potential market. Businesses must understand local regulations, product standards, customer expectations, logistics, taxation and the commercial requirements of their target country.
Strong relationships between nations can create a favourable environment for business engagement, but individual companies must still conduct proper research and due diligence before making investment or export decisions.
This is where business forums, consultants and professional networks can play an important role in helping entrepreneurs prepare for international opportunities.
How India–Vietnam Cooperation Can Benefit Indian MSMEs
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are an important part of India’s economy. They contribute to employment, manufacturing, innovation, services and entrepreneurship across the country.
Yet many small businesses face challenges when trying to enter international markets. Limited market information, a lack of international contacts, compliance requirements and difficulties in finding reliable business partners can slow their progress.
Stronger India–Vietnam business relations can encourage MSMEs to explore potential opportunities in areas such as:
1. Export and Import Opportunities
Indian manufacturers and suppliers can research demand for their products in Vietnam, while Indian businesses may also explore suitable sourcing opportunities. Product selection, pricing, customs procedures and market demand must be assessed before entering a trade agreement.
2. Manufacturing and Industrial Collaboration
Businesses may explore partnerships involving components, industrial products, machinery, packaging, textiles and other relevant sectors. The right opportunity depends on commercial requirements, technical standards and the capabilities of the participating companies.
3. Technology and Knowledge Exchange
Cooperation between businesses can encourage the exchange of knowledge, improved processes and new approaches to production and service delivery. Such exchanges may help smaller enterprises become more competitive.
4. Startup and Entrepreneurial Networking
Startup founders can benefit from meeting international business communities, learning about unfamiliar markets and understanding how companies operate in different economies.
5. Investment and Strategic Partnerships
Where there is a clear commercial fit, businesses can explore joint ventures, distribution agreements, supplier relationships and other forms of collaboration. Every proposal should be evaluated carefully, with legal and financial advice where required.
These possibilities demonstrate why international networking should be treated as a long-term business activity rather than a one-time exercise.
The Role of Star International MSME Forum in Connecting Businesses
As Chairman of Star International MSME Forum, Harish Chandra believes that Indian entrepreneurs should have greater awareness of international business opportunities and the practical steps required to pursue them.
The vision of connecting businesses from local markets to national and international platforms is especially relevant for small enterprises that may not have dedicated teams for overseas market development.
A business forum can help create opportunities for entrepreneurs to exchange information, meet potential partners, participate in business discussions and understand the requirements of international trade.
For MSMEs, this kind of engagement can be a starting point for building a stronger business network. However, lasting results depend on consistent follow-up, professional communication, product quality, financial preparedness and compliance with applicable laws.
Through Star International MSME Forum, the broader objective is to encourage business relationships that help Indian enterprises understand global markets and work towards sustainable growth.
The focus is on building connections that have practical value for businesses, rather than limiting networking to introductions alone.
United Consultancy & Services and the Vision of Entrepreneurial Growth
As Founder of United Consultancy & Services (UCS), Harish Chandra is associated with the wider objective of supporting entrepreneurship and helping businesses move towards their growth goals.
For a small business, the journey from a local operation to a recognised brand requires planning, knowledge and the right professional support. Registration, documentation, business planning, regulatory awareness and market research can all contribute to a stronger foundation.
Entrepreneurs interested in international expansion should first understand whether their business is ready for the next stage. This includes reviewing production capacity, pricing, product quality, working capital and the ability to meet delivery commitments.
The objective should not be to enter a foreign market simply because an opportunity appears attractive. Instead, businesses should develop a clear strategy, identify suitable partners and make decisions based on reliable information.
When local entrepreneurs receive the right guidance and prepare carefully, they can place themselves in a better position to explore wider markets and build sustainable business relationships.
Local to National to Global – Supporting the Make in India Vision
The idea of moving from local to national and then global markets represents an important aspiration for Indian entrepreneurs.
Many successful businesses begin with a small customer base, limited resources and a strong commitment to quality. Over time, they expand through better processes, improved products, customer trust and professional relationships.
For Indian MSMEs, global expansion can create opportunities to reach new customers, diversify revenue sources and develop international partnerships. At the same time, entering international markets brings challenges that require preparation and patience.
The Make in India vision encourages domestic manufacturing, innovation and stronger industrial capabilities. MSMEs can contribute to this objective by developing competitive products, improving operational standards and exploring responsible opportunities in international trade.
International business events help bring attention to the importance of these relationships. They also remind entrepreneurs that a global presence is built through consistent effort, credibility and the ability to deliver value.
The message is simple: local businesses can aim higher when they combine ambition with preparation, knowledge and reliable professional connections.
Why International Friendship Matters Beyond Diplomacy
Diplomatic relationships are often discussed in terms of government meetings, trade agreements and strategic cooperation. However, friendship between people also plays an important role in bringing countries closer.
Cultural celebrations, professional gatherings and business events create opportunities for people to understand one another beyond their official roles.
When business leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs and representatives from different industries meet, they can exchange ideas and develop a better understanding of each other’s priorities.
Such interactions do not guarantee business agreements, but they can help establish the trust and communication needed for future cooperation.
The Vietnam National Day celebration in New Delhi reflected this wider value of international engagement. It offered an opportunity to appreciate Vietnamese culture, recognise the importance of India–Vietnam friendship and connect with distinguished personalities from different backgrounds.
For Harish Chandra, the occasion reinforced the belief that strong relationships are an important foundation for building future opportunities.
A Message of Gratitude and Continued India–Vietnam Friendship
Harish Chandra expressed his heartfelt gratitude to H.E. Mr. Trinh Minh Manh, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to India, the Embassy of Viet Nam and all distinguished guests for their warm hospitality.
The celebration was a memorable occasion that brought together people connected through diplomacy, culture, entrepreneurship and international business.
India and Vietnam have considerable scope to continue strengthening their relationship through constructive engagement, economic cooperation and cultural exchange. For entrepreneurs and MSMEs, the progress of this partnership offers reasons to remain informed, prepared and open to suitable opportunities.
As Chairman of Star International MSME Forum and Founder of United Consultancy & Services, Harish Chandra remains committed to encouraging entrepreneurial growth, strengthening professional networks and promoting the vision of taking Indian businesses from local markets to national and international platforms.
May the friendship between India and Vietnam continue to grow stronger, bringing peace, prosperity and new opportunities to both nations.
Long live India–Vietnam friendship!
Harish Chandra
MSME Consultant
Chairman – Star International MSME Forum
Founder – United Consultancy & Services (UCS)
Startup Guru
Connecting Globally | Empowering MSMEs | Local to Global
