Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first leader invited to address the East Asia Summit after the host and incoming chair, according to sources. India’s role and importance in ASEAN were also recognized. PM Modi was noted as the only leader in the room who has participated in the most East Asia Summits, attending nine out of the 19 held so far, sources said.
The East Asia Summit refers to the meeting of Heads of State/Government from the EAS participating countries, convened annually. The EAS process was initiated in 2005 with the convening of the 1st East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At its inception, the East Asia Summit comprised 16 participating countries: ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. In 2011, the US and Russia joined at the 6th East Asia Summit in Bali.
In his address, PM Modi emphasized that India has always supported ASEAN Unity and Centrality. He noted that ASEAN is also at the center of India’s Indo-Pacific vision and Quad cooperation. He stated, “There are deep parallels between India’s ‘Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative’ and the ‘ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific.’ A free, open, inclusive, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is vital for the peace and progress of the entire region.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Vientiane. During their meeting, PM Modi extended condolences for the loss of at least 14 lives in the US due to Hurricane Milton, which struck on Wednesday. Currently, PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Laos.
On Thursday, PM Modi participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit. His visit is significant as this year marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy. Sharing details of PM Modi’s visit to Laos, the MEA stated on Thursday, “PM Modi has arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. At the airport, he was received by senior ministers of the Laos government and accorded a ceremonial welcome. However, what was truly special was the warm and significant welcome he received at the hotel.”
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham, and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour in Vientiane. Following this, he interacted with the Indian diaspora in Vientiane, greeting community members who were excited to meet him outside the hotel.
During his time in Laos, PM Modi also witnessed an episode of the Lao Ramayana—called Phalak Phalam—performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. The Ramayana continues to be celebrated in Laos, along with several other facets of Indian culture and tradition that have been practiced and preserved in Laos for centuries. Sharing pictures of the performance on X, PM Modi wrote, “Vijaya Dashami is a few days away, and today in Lao PDR, I saw a part of the Lao Ramayana, highlighting the victory of Prabhu Shri Ram over Ravan. It is heartening to see the people here remain in touch with the Ramayana. May the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram always remain upon us!”
Prior to departing for Laos, PM Modi stated on Thursday that the East Asia Summit would provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. In his statement, PM Modi noted, “This year we are marking a decade of our Act East Policy. I will join ASEAN leaders to review progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of our cooperation.” He added, “The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.” (ANI)
