Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Vientiane here on Friday. As the two leaders met, PM Modi also extended condolences on the loss of at least 14 lives in the US due to Hurricane Milton since Wednesday.
Sharing my remarks at the India-ASEAN Summit.https://t.co/3HbLV8J7FE
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 10, 2024
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Laos. He participated in Thursday’s 21st ASEAN India Summit and is slated to attend today’s East Asia Summit.
Vientiane, Lao PDR | At the 19th East Asia Summit, PM Narendra Modi says, “Terrorism is also a serious challenge to global peace and security. To face it, forces believing in humanity will have to work together. And, mutual cooperation in the areas of cyber, maritime and space… pic.twitter.com/KAIth6dAPK
— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2024
At the 19th East Asia Summit, PM Narendra Modi said, “Terrorism is also a serious challenge to global peace and security. To face it, forces believing in humanity will have to work together. Mutual cooperation in the areas of cyber, maritime, and space will also have to be strengthened.”
PM Modi, during the summit, mentioned that India has always supported ASEAN Unity and Centrality. “India has always supported ASEAN Unity and Centrality. ASEAN is also at the centre of India’s Indo-Pacific vision and Quad cooperation. There are deep similarities between India’s “Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative” and “ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific”. A free, open, inclusive, prosperous and rule-based Indo-Pacific is important for the peace and progress of the entire region. Peace, security and stability of the South China Sea is in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region.”
His visit is significant as this year marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy. Sharing the details of PM Modi’s visit to Laos, Jaiswal said 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. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome, but what was truly special was the warm and significant, meaningful welcome he received at the hotel.”
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the Minister of Home Affairs of Laos, Vilayvong Bouddakham. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour in the capital city of Vientiane. He then interacted with the Indian diaspora in Vientiane. He greeted Indian community members as they were excited to meet him outside the hotel in Laos. Several dignitaries, including Laos Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Education and Sports, the Governor of the Bank of Laos and the Mayor of Vientiane, were present to welcome PM Modi.
Upon his arrival in Laos, Prime Minister Modi also witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayan – called Phalak Phalam, which was performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. Ramayan continues to be celebrated in Laos, along with several other facets of Indian culture and tradition practised and preserved in Laos for centuries. Sharing pictures of the Ramayan performance that he witnessed in Laos, PM Modi wrote on X, “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 Ramayan. May the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram always remain upon us!”
India and Laos have historical and civilisational links reflected in the common heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana. Bilateral relations with Laos are friendly and were established in 1956.
