Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the Indian diaspora in Vientiane upon his arrival in Laos, where he was warmly welcomed by excited community members outside his hotel. Among those present to greet the Prime Minister were several dignitaries, including the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Education and Sports, the Governor of the Bank of Laos, and the Mayor of Vientiane.
PM Modi is in Laos for a two-day visit, during which he will attend the 21st ASEAN-India and 19th East Asia Summit. His visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East Policy.
After landing in Vientiane, the Prime Minister interacted with members of the Indian diaspora at Hotel DoubleTree. He received a traditional welcome, including a Bihu performance by enthusiastic dancers, which he praised for its vibrancy.
In addition to engaging with the Indian community, PM Modi participated in prayers led by senior Buddhist monks from the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Laos, with blessings offered by Mahaveth Masenai, the revered abbot of Si Saket temple in Vientiane. This gesture reflects the shared Buddhist heritage that continues to strengthen the cultural ties between India and Laos.
India has also been involved in preservation efforts for historic temples in Laos, such as the Vat Phou temple, with the Archaeological Survey of India collaborating with the Lao government on conservation projects.
During his visit, PM Modi also had the opportunity to witness the Lao version of the Ramayan, known as Phalak Phalam, performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. The Ramayan remains an integral part of Laos’ cultural landscape, alongside other Indian traditions that have been cherished for centuries.
India’s partnership with Laos extends beyond cultural ties, with the country actively supporting Laos in various development projects. The Lao-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre, established in 2004, trains local entrepreneurs to launch small and medium-sized businesses. Other initiatives, such as Quick Impact Projects and lines of credit worth over $230 million, further strengthen bilateral cooperation, which also includes trade worth over $100 million.
The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation is another important element of India’s Act East Policy as well as PM Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region. The historical links between India and Laos, particularly through Buddhism and the Ramayan, underscore their longstanding relationship, which was formally established in 1956.
PM Modi’s visit comes at the invitation of Laos’ Prime Minister, Sonexay Siphandone.
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