Vientiane, Oct 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and vibrant welcome in Laos, where he arrived for a two-day visit to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit.
Upon his arrival in Vientiane, PM Modi was greeted by enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora and Laotian community, with chants of the Gayatri Mantra and greetings in Hindi. A traditional Bihu dance, performed by Laotian dancers, highlighted the cultural richness of the event.
During his visit, PM Modi engaged in various ceremonial activities, including a special meeting with senior Buddhist monks, emphasizing the ancient cultural and spiritual ties between India and Laos through Buddhism.
Notably, the Prime Minister visited an exhibition that showcased India's role in restoring the Vat Phou temple complex and witnessed a performance of the Lao Ramayana, "Phalak Phalam," presented by the Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. These cultural exchanges underscored the deep-rooted connections between the two nations.
The visit also featured important bilateral discussions and strategic deliberations on key regional issues. PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to ASEAN-India relations and the significance of fostering peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting a decade of India's Act East Policy. His engagements during the visit aimed to strengthen India’s cultural, economic, and political ties with Laos and ASEAN countries, reinforcing India's Indo-Pacific Vision and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
The East Asia Summit, seen as a crucial platform for fostering strategic trust and cooperation in the region, provided PM Modi an opportunity to further India's agenda for peace and prosperity in collaboration with other leaders.
