Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, visited Lao PDR from 25-27 July 2024 at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR. He participated in the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework in the format of the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN-India, and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The visit highlighted India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality, ASEAN unity, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the progress in the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit comes during the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East policy, announced by the Prime Minister in 2014.
- Jaishankar participated in the 14th EAS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Vientiane. He expressed India’s encouragement of ASEAN members to join in the Voice of the Global South Summit. He noted that the establishment of Nalanda University was the fruition of a commitment to the EAS. He also stated the importance of peace and stability in conflict-ridden areas and stressed honouring codes of conduct and international law.
Dr. Jaishankar also participated in the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum. He pointed out that international cooperation was the only way to combat COVID-19, climate change, and conflict. He noted the importance of fighting terrorism on all fronts and the importance of maritime safety and security for a peaceful resolution of disputes.
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with his counterparts from the Philippines, Timor-Leste, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea. Dr. Jaishankar reviewed India’s bilateral relations with the nations and discussed means to strengthen them further. The dignitaries also addressed the importance of maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific and the significance of ASEAN centrality.
On 26 July, Dr. Jaishankar met with the Foreign Minister of Brunei, Mr. Dato Haji Erywan, at Vientiane. Commemorating four decades of India-Brunei diplomatic ties, both ministers launched a logo celebrating the bilateral relations between the two countries.
He also met with the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mr. Hakan Fidan; Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; Mr. Winston Peters, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand; and Mr. Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affair, Norway.
Dr. Jaishankar also met with Lao PDR Minister of Home Affairs Vilayvong Bouddakham, Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee Sanya Praseut, and Special Envoy Alounkeo Kittikhoun. The EAM called on Lao PDR’s Prime Minister, Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, and expressed India’s support for the country’s chairmanship of the ASEAN and East Asia Summit. Noting the deep bilateral ties between India and Laos, Dr. Jaishankar noted that the ministers “Discussed our development partnership and cooperation in defence, heritage conservation, energy, digital and capacity building. Value his guidance on further strengthening our close ties deeply rooted in shared civilizational connect.”
The EAM also called on Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith and launched a unique stamp set commemorating the shared cultural heritage of Lao PDR and India in the form of Buddhism and Ramayana. The two ministers also signed MoUs related to ten Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for Laos under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation to collaborate in sharing successful digital solutions. During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar also launched the Common Yoga Protocol in the Lao language in Vientiane. He also interacted with Lao PDR scholars, including six monks, who will soon travel to India under various ICCR programs.
Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to Lao PDR marks India’s commitment to the ASEAN and boosts its efforts to establish a strategic partnership within the region.
