On October 10, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vientiane, Laos, for a two-day visit to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. This visit, at the invitation of Lao PDR Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, marks an important moment as India celebrates a decade of its “Act East Policy,” aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asia.
Upon arrival, Modi was greeted with a ceremonial Guard of Honour and warmly welcomed by Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham. He expressed optimism about his upcoming discussions with regional leaders, particularly on topics concerning peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the summits, Modi emphasized India’s cultural and civilizational ties with ASEAN nations, notably Laos, through shared heritage in Buddhism and the Ramayana. His agenda includes reviewing progress in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN, as well as engaging in bilateral meetings with leaders from other nations.
The ASEAN and East Asia summits provide a crucial platform for discussing key geopolitical issues, and India, under Modi’s leadership, continues to affirm its commitment to the region’s growth and security
