India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is set to embark on a significant diplomatic mission to Southeast Asia, attending both the Asean and Quad meetings. His journey begins in Vientiane, Laos, from July 25th to 27th, 2024, at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith. During his time in Laos, Jaishankar will participate in crucial Foreign Minister meetings of Asean-India, the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the Asean Regional Forum (ARF). This visit holds special significance as it marks the tenth anniversary of India’s Act East Policy, first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014. On the sidelines of these summits, Jaishankar is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with counterparts from other nations.
From Laos, the External Affairs Minister will then travel to Japan for a three-day visit, where he will attend the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Quad. Jaishankar’s diplomatic tour highlights the increasing importance of India’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific region.
While the focus is on the regional summits, Jaishankar’s visit to Laos provides an opportunity to shed light on this often-overlooked landlocked nation. Here are seven key points about Laos:
1.
The Landlocked Dilemma:
Laos is the sole landlocked nation in Southeast Asia. Almost three-quarters of its territory is covered by mountains and forested hills, presenting challenges for habitation and development.2.
A Tragic Past:
Laos holds the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most heavily bombed nations in the world. Between 1964 and March 1973, over 260 million bombs were dropped on the country, many of which were cluster bombs that remain unexploded, scattering throughout Laos.3.
Long-Standing Ties:
India and Laos share a history dating back to February 2nd, 1956, when they established diplomatic relations. Their bond is deep-rooted, stemming from ancient civilizations and fostered by cultural and people-to-people connections.4.
Overcoming Poverty:
Laos is among East Asia’s poorest countries, struggling with inadequate infrastructure and a largely unskilled workforce. However, it attracts foreign investment due to its integration into the broader ASEAN economic community. The country’s young workforce and tax-friendly environment make it appealing to foreign investors.5.
A Marxist-Leninist State:
Laos is one of only two Marxist-Leninist states in Southeast Asia. Its present-day identity is rooted in Lan Xang, a kingdom that existed from the 13th to the 18th centuries.6.
Modi’s Visit:
In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the fourth Indian Prime Minister to visit Laos. His predecessors, Jawahar Lal Nehru (1954), Atal Behari Vajpayee (2002), and Manmohan Singh (2004), had also made official visits to the country.7.
India’s COVID-19 Support:
India extended a helping hand to Laos during the COVID-19 pandemic by sending a consignment of medicines and medical supplies on August 4th, 2020. This gesture of support further strengthens the ties between the two nations.Jaishankar’s visit to Laos will undoubtedly hold discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation, addressing shared challenges, and strengthening the historical bond between India and Laos. His journey across Southeast Asia will solidify India’s commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
