- Modi participates in the 21st ASEAN-India and 19th East Asia summits in Laos.
- The visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East policy.
- Bilateral meetings will focus on Indo-Pacific stability and strategic partnerships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Vientiane, Laos, to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit.
His visit comes at a pivotal moment as India marks a decade of its Act East policy, which has been instrumental in fostering stronger ties with Southeast Asian nations.
Modi’s Strategic Push in Laos: Strengthening ASEAN-India and Indo-Pacific Relations
India shares deep-rooted cultural and historical ties with Laos, reflected in their shared heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana. In addition to the summits, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders to discuss mutual concerns, ranging from trade and technology to regional stability. The summits offer a platform to reinforce India’s influence in the region, focusing on strategic cooperation amidst growing global challenges.
Laos, the chair of ASEAN this year, is hosting the summits where India seeks to bolster its relationship with the region, which holds significant cultural and historical ties to the subcontinent. Modi emphasized these ties, particularly through the shared legacies of Buddhism and the Ramayana, as a foundation for deepening diplomatic engagements with Lao PDR.
The East Asia Summit, which includes major global powers like China, Japan, and the United States, will provide a forum for discussing Indo-Pacific stability and security. Modi’s participation is expected to address critical challenges like maritime security, trade routes, and strategic collaborations, positioning India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. As regional tensions rise, India’s role in shaping a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly essential.
Beyond the formal summits, Modi’s bilateral meetings with leaders from across ASEAN and East Asia will offer opportunities to discuss issues ranging from trade and infrastructure to technology and defense. These discussions will also allow India to further its vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, building on its partnerships with regional and global powers alike.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Laos highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its role in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. The summits and bilateral meetings underscore the significance of India’s Act East policy and its pursuit of strategic, economic, and cultural partnerships.
“As we mark a decade of our Act East Policy, we continue to strive for deeper cooperation and shared prosperity with our ASEAN partners.” – Narendra Modi
