Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India on Friday after a fruitful two-day visit to Laos, where he attended the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits at the invitation of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. In a post on X, Modi expressed gratitude for the visit, emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN and working towards peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region.
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the visit’s focus on enhancing India’s Act East Policy, deepening ASEAN-India engagement, and reinforcing historic connections with Lao PDR.
During the 21st India-ASEAN Summit, Modi remarked on the significance of India-ASEAN friendship amid global conflicts, announcing a 10-point plan aimed at bolstering the comprehensive partnership. He noted that trade between India and ASEAN has doubled to over USD 130 billion in the past decade and proposed a review of the trade-in-goods agreement to tap into the partnership’s economic potential.
Modi engaged with counterparts from Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the European Council, discussing various areas of cooperation. He also attended a performance of the Lao adaptation of the Ramayan, showcasing the cultural ties between India and Laos.
On Friday, Modi addressed the 19th East Asia Summit, calling for the restoration of peace and stability in Eurasia and West Asia, while highlighting the negative impact of global conflicts on the Global South. He also met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the summit’s sidelines.
