Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be making a significant trip to Laos on October 10 and 11. During his two-day visit, he will participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, both hosted by Laos, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The visit comes at the invitation of Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and will see Modi traveling to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Beyond the key summits, Modi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders on the sidelines of these events, strengthening India’s diplomatic engagement in the region.
This trip highlights the central role of India’s Act East Policy, which celebrates a decade of implementation this year. India considers its relationship with ASEAN a cornerstone of this policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. The ASEAN-India Summit will provide a platform to review the progress of India-ASEAN relations within the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to outline future cooperative endeavors.
The East Asia Summit, recognized as a premier forum led by regional leaders, offers a crucial opportunity for India and other participating nations to discuss regional concerns and foster an environment of strategic trust. The summit serves as a valuable platform for exchanging views on key issues impacting the region, ensuring that India’s voice is heard and its interests are represented.
