Modi Advances India-ASEAN Relations at Lao Summits

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit in Lao PDR on October 10-11. This visit will focus on strengthening India-ASEAN ties and will include meetings with Lao PDR Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and other leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a diplomatic mission to Vientiane, Lao PDR, where he will participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, as announced by the external affairs ministry. Scheduled for October 10-11, these events provide a platform to fortify relations between India and ASEAN member states.

In a preparatory briefing, Secretary (East) in the MEA, Jaideep Mazumdar, emphasized the profound importance India places on ASEAN-related engagements. This will mark Modi's tenth participation in an ASEAN-India Summit, highlighting India's commitment to the regional bloc.

The visit, at the invitation of Lao PDR's Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, will also include bilateral talks aimed at enhancing India-Lao relations, which span cultural restoration, capacity building, and energy projects. Modi's meetings with various leaders on the conference margins are set to bolster strategic ties.

(With inputs from agencies.)