Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Lao PDR, in Vientiane today. The leaders congratulated each other on recent regional successes, with PM Modi praising Sisoulith for effectively hosting the ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit.

During their discussions, the two leaders emphasized the importance of bilateral relations, reaffirming their commitment to deepen the partnership between India and Laos. They noted that the contemporary partnership is anchored in age-old civilizational ties, which continue to flourish through ongoing collaborations in development, heritage restoration, and cultural exchanges.

Highlighting the significance of 2024 as a decade since India’s Act East Policy was launched, PM Modi underscored its role in enhancing India’s engagement with Laos. He also called for increased people-to-people interactions, particularly through opportunities offered by the new Nalanda University.

In a gesture of gratitude, President Sisoulith expressed appreciation for India’s humanitarian assistance following the floods caused by Typhoon Yagi, acknowledging the support extended during a challenging time for the Lao PDR.

The two leaders also discussed broader regional and global issues of mutual interest, with Modi thanking Sisoulith for Laos’s ongoing support in strengthening India-ASEAN relations. This meeting marks a continued commitment to enhancing ties and cooperation between the two nations, reflecting a shared vision for the future.