ASEAN Meeting: EAM S Jaishankar Meets Russian Counterpart Sergei Lavrov In Laos

On the sidelines of ASEAN events, which was being held in Laos’s Vientiane, external affairs minister S Jaishankar interacted with Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday.

Taking to X, Russia Embassy In India said ‘#Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and #India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S.Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar met on the sidelines of #ASEAN events.’

Earlier, these prominent figures also interacted on the sidelines of SCO meeting, which was being at Kazakhstan’s capital Astana. In the July 3 meeting, EAM S Jaishankar discussed about Indian nationals, who are currently stuck in war zone at Russia.

In addition, these two leaders also talked about ‘global strategic landscape’ and gave their assessments and views.

Later taking to X, S Jaishankar said ‘Good to meet Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Astana today. Wide ranging conversation on our bilateral partnership and contemporary issues. Noted the progress in many areas since our last meeting in December 2023.’

ASEAN Meeting

Meanwhile, India’s external minister S Jaishankar has come to Vientiane. Will be there from July 25-28. During his visit, he also took part in ASEAN Meeting. Issuing his remarks, Jaishankar declared that cooperation in terms of political, economic and security with ASEAN is of greater priority.

In addition, he also added that ASEAN serves as a cornerstone for India’s Act East policy. The Indo-pacific vision was constructed on it and people-to-people contact, which India seeks to expand.

Later, Jaishankar also expressed gratitude for Singapore’s foreign affairs minister Vivian Balakrishnan for congratulating on his reappointment. External minister declared that he hopes to work closely with him.

External Minister also offered wishes to Laos for Asean chairmanship saying ‘I extend our fullest support for the successful chairmanship [to Lao PDR]. I also thank our colleague and Lao PDR for the warm welcome and hospitality.’

While welcoming Timor-Leste as an observer in the meeting, S Jaishankar said that in a previous year, PM Narendra Modi declared that they’ll open an embassy of laos in New Delhi and soon, they will proceed with the opening. In fact, they are already conducting high-level visits.