On Thursday, PM Narendra Modi arrived in Vientiane, marking the beginning of a pivotal two-day visit to the Southeast Asian country.
Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham, warmly greeted the Prime Minister and honored him with a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon arrival.
Taking to social media, PM Modi expressed his anticipation for the high-level discussions ahead.
“Landed in Lao PDR. Looking forward to the deliberations with various world leaders,” PM Modi shared in a post on the social platform X.
Landed in Lao PDR. Looking forward to the deliberations with various world leaders. pic.twitter.com/MCo4v2CKdP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 10, 2024
The Prime Minister’s visit comes at the invitation of Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, who is hosting the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit in the capital city.
This engagement is seen as a critical moment in bolstering India’s strategic ties with the region, particularly under the framework of India’s “Act East” policy.
PM Modi Highlights Importance Of East Asia Summit; Marks 10 Years Of ‘Act East’ Policy
Before his departure, PM Modi highlighted the importance of the East Asia Summit as a key platform for addressing regional peace and stability, emphasizing its role in the broader Indo-Pacific discourse.
“As I head to Vientiane, I look forward to discussing pressing regional challenges with my ASEAN counterparts,” PM Modi stated, underscoring India’s commitment to fostering strong ties in the region.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, and the Prime Minister sees this summit as an opportunity to assess progress in the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
PM Modi’s focus will be on deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as setting the course for future collaborations.
The historical and cultural ties between India and Laos, particularly through shared traditions like Buddhism and the Ramayana, were also a point of reflection for the Indian leader.
“Laos and India share a rich cultural connection that dates back centuries. I am eager to build on that foundation to elevate our bilateral relations,” PM Modi said ahead of the trip.
On the sidelines of the summits, PM Modi is likely to hold multiple bilateral discussions with regional leaders, further emphasizing India’s diplomatic and economic engagement with ASEAN.
This visit is also seen as part of India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, where ASEAN remains a crucial partner in promoting stability and growth across the region.
ASEAN-India Summit To Review Ties; East Asia Summit To Address Security
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the ASEAN-India Summit will serve as a forum for reviewing the progress in India-ASEAN relations, while the East Asia Summit will bring leaders together to discuss regional security issues.
Both summits are critical in shaping India’s role in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific.
As India’s ‘Act East’ policy completes a decade, PM Modi’s visit to Laos underscores New Delhi’s dedication to fostering a united and resilient ASEAN, which remains central to India’s vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The Prime Minister’s visit highlights the growing importance of Southeast Asia in India’s foreign policy, with Laos and its neighboring nations playing key roles in advancing India’s diplomatic, economic, and security interests in the region.
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