Thu Oct 10 22:02:04 UTC 2024: ## Modi in Laos for Asean-India and East Asia Summits

**Vientiane, Laos:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Laos on Thursday for a two-day visit to participate in the 21st Asean-India and the 19th East Asia summits. This visit aims to further strengthen India’s engagement with the Asean and East Asia regions.

The Prime Minister is attending the summits at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Laos, currently holding the Asean chairmanship, will host the crucial meetings.

In his departure statement, Modi emphasized the significance of the decade-long “Act East” policy, highlighting its substantial benefits for India. He expressed his intention to review the progress of the India-Asean Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future course of collaboration.

The East Asia Summit, the Prime Minister stated, will provide a platform to discuss challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Modi also underscored the deep cultural and civilizational ties India shares with the region, particularly with Laos, noting the shared heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana epic. He expressed his anticipation for meetings with the Lao leadership to further solidify bilateral relations.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) was established in 1967 and consists of ten member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, and Myanmar.

The East Asia Summit brings together the ten Asean countries with eight partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States. Timor-Leste holds observer status at the EAS.

Modi’s visit to Laos is expected to foster stronger relations and cooperation between India and the Asean and East Asia regions.

Read More