Upon his arrival in Vientiane, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, who eagerly gathered outside the Double Tree Hotel to greet him. The reception included dignitaries such as Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Education and Sports, the Governor of the Bank of Laos, and the Mayor of Vientiane.
PM Modi’s two-day visit is significant, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of India’s Act East Policy. After arriving, he engaged with the Indian community, who welcomed him enthusiastically, showcasing a traditional Bihu dance performance that the Prime Minister praised.
Additionally, PM Modi participated in prayers conducted by Buddhist monks from Laos, sharing a moment of cultural connection. A post on the social media platform X featured images of the monks blessing him, emphasizing the shared Buddhist heritage that strengthens the civilizational bonds between India and Laos.
During his visit, PM Modi also explored India’s conservation efforts in Laos, including the preservation of historic temples like Vat Phou, a project undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India in collaboration with the Laotian government.
Moreover, he attended a performance of the Lao Ramayana titled Phalak Phalam at the Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. The Ramayana remains a celebrated part of Laos’s cultural heritage, reflecting the deep historical connections between the two nations.
Invited by Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, PM Modi’s visit is marked by India’s ongoing support for various developmental projects in Laos, including the establishment of the Lao-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre (LIEDC) in 2004, aimed at training Lao entrepreneurs in small and medium-scale businesses. Other collaborations include Quick Impact Projects, over $230 million in lines of credit, and a bilateral trade partnership exceeding $100 million.
The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation is another crucial aspect of India’s Act East Policy, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1956, India and Laos have maintained a friendly and cooperative relationship, deeply rooted in their shared cultural heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana.
