Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Delhi today (Friday) after a two-day visit to Laos, during which he participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. The Prime Minister described his visit as fruitful and stated that it is in line with India’s commitment to strengthen ties with ASEAN.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi posted on the social media platform X, stating, “Thank you, Laos PDR! In line with India’s commitment to strengthen its relations with ASEAN, this has been a productive visit. We will continue to work together towards peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region.” PM Modi also shared a brief video of his entire trip on his official social media handle on X.
It is noteworthy that this year marks a decade since the launch of India’s Act East Policy. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned in a post on his official social media handle on X after PM Modi’s visit that the main objective of the Prime Minister’s trip was to strengthen India’s Act East Policy, deepen ASEAN-India relations, and enhance India’s Indo-Pacific outlook, as well as to enrich the age-old ties with Laos PDR.
Prime Minister Modi participated in discussions with Southeast Asian leaders to review progress in the comprehensive strategic partnership and to determine the future direction of mutual cooperation. The East Asia Summit provided an opportunity to discuss challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. India shares close cultural and civilizational ties with this region, including Laos PDR, enriched by the shared heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana.