India's PM Modi Visits Laos: Strengthening Ties and Regional Cooperation

International Desk

17 Oct 2024, 18:13

Photo: Collected

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Lao PDR was notable for several significant achievements, both at the bilateral level and within the broader regional context. His presence at the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) was symbolic, as he was the first leader to speak following the host and incoming chair, highlighting India's growing importance in ASEAN.

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India’s Focus on East Asia and ASEAN
PM Modi has now attended nine out of the 19 EAS summits, underscoring India’s commitment to ASEAN and regional processes. This year’s summit also marked ten years since the launch of India’s "Act East" policy. Modi’s participation in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit reflected the deepening cooperation between India and ASEAN, as leaders reviewed progress across multiple areas, including digital public infrastructure, which India actively supports in the region.

During the EAS, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN unity and its role at the heart of the Indo-Pacific strategy. He emphasized the need for peace and stability, especially in Eurasia and West Asia, due to the adverse impacts of conflicts on developing nations. Modi also drew parallels between India’s "Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative" and ASEAN’s "Outlook on the Indo-Pacific," advocating for a rules-based, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Lao PDR
In Vientiane, Modi held productive talks with Lao PDR’s Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Both leaders emphasized the importance of cultural and historical ties, in addition to expanding cooperation in areas like renewable energy, heritage restoration, defense, disaster management, and people-to-people connections.

Several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, particularly in defense, broadcasting, and customs cooperation. Under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) were launched with grants of $50,000 each, focusing on the preservation of Lao cultural heritage, including the restoration of Wat Pakea Temple and supporting shadow puppet theatre in Champasak province. Both leaders also noted progress in restoring Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with support from the Archaeological Survey of India.

Humanitarian and Development Assistance
India announced a $1 million grant through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund to improve nutrition security in Lao PDR—marking the Fund’s first such project in Southeast Asia. Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment to humanitarian support by referencing recent flood relief assistance provided after Typhoon Yagi.

ASEAN-India Partnership: Building Connectivity and Tourism
Modi introduced a 10-point plan to enhance connectivity and cooperation with ASEAN, which included declaring 2024 the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism. This announcement, warmly welcomed by ASEAN leaders, will be accompanied by India’s $5 million contribution for joint activities to promote tourism.

Several other initiatives were also announced to celebrate the decade of India’s "Act East" policy, including a Youth Summit, an ASEAN-India music festival, a startup festival, and a hackathon. The ASEAN-India Network of Think Tanks will meet soon, reflecting the importance of intellectual and policy collaboration.

Historical and Cultural Connections
India's cultural links with ASEAN have roots in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Historical legends suggest that King Ashoka’s emissaries brought a relic of the Buddha to Laos, now enshrined in the Pha That Luang monument in Vientiane. Another key cultural connection is Vat Phou, an ancient Hindu temple complex dedicated to Shiva, which stands as a reminder of shared religious heritage. The Ramayana, locally known as Ramakien, continues to influence Lao arts and traditions, including ballet and puppetry.

Strengthening Diaspora and Connectivity
India has a strong diaspora presence in the ASEAN region, with 20% of the global Indian diaspora living there. Direct flights currently connect India with seven ASEAN countries, with more connections planned by year-end. Enhancing air connectivity will further boost people-to-people ties and economic cooperation.

Conclusion
PM Modi’s visit to Lao PDR offered a valuable opportunity to deepen ties with ASEAN and revitalize the "Act East" policy. With India’s strong support for Lao PDR’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2024 and commitments to cultural, economic, and humanitarian initiatives, the visit marks a renewed push to elevate regional partnerships.
(Source: Vietnam Times)

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