Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Laos from October 10 to 11, where he will participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. This visit comes at the invitation of Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, as announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Key Summits Hosted by ASEAN Chair Laos
During his visit, Modi will attend two major summits hosted by Laos, the current chair of ASEAN. These are the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. The MEA also mentioned that Modi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of these summits.
Focus on Strengthening India-ASEAN Relations
This year marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy, with ASEAN being a central focus of both this policy and India’s Indo-Pacific vision. “India’s relations with ASEAN are a key pillar of our Act East Policy,” the MEA noted. The ASEAN-India Summit will focus on reviewing the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN, as well as exploring future areas of cooperation.
East Asia Summit’s Strategic Role in Regional Trust
The 19th East Asia Summit, a high-level forum led by leaders, aims to foster an environment of strategic trust in the region. The summit offers a platform for leaders from participating countries, including India, to discuss and exchange views on important regional issues.