Prime Minister Modi's Upcoming Visit to Laos

Prime Minister's Visit to Laos: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Laos for two days on October 10 and 11. He will attend two important summits: the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. This visit has been announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Invitation and Host

Laos is currently the chair of the ASEAN group. Prime Minister Modi’s trip is at the invitation of the Lao Prime Minister, Sonexay Siphandone.

Focus of the Summits

During his time in Laos, Modi will participate in discussions aimed at strengthening ties between India and ASEAN. This year marks ten years of India’s Act East Policy, which emphasizes the importance of relations with ASEAN as a key part of India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Key Topics of Discussion

The ASEAN-India Summit will review the progress made in their relationship and plan future cooperation. The East Asia Summit allows leaders from various countries to discuss important regional issues and build trust.

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Bilateral Meetings

In addition to the summits, Modi is also expected to hold individual meetings with other leaders to discuss specific topics and strengthen bilateral relationships.

The ASEAN Summit is a biennial meeting of the leaders of the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It serves as the highest decision-making body of ASEAN and is a key platform for discussing regional issues and promoting cooperation among member states.

Key Features of the ASEAN Summit:

1. Participants: Heads of state or government from all ten ASEAN member countries—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—attend the summit.
2. Purpose: The summit addresses a wide range of topics, including economic integration, political stability, regional security, and social-cultural issues. It aims to enhance collaboration and strengthen ties among member nations.
3. Frequency: The ASEAN Summit is held twice a year, usually hosted by a different member country each time.
4. Key Outcomes: The summit often results in the adoption of declarations and action plans that outline the goals and strategies for ASEAN cooperation in various sectors.
5. Regional and Global Issues: Leaders discuss not only ASEAN-specific matters but also broader regional and international issues, enhancing ASEAN's role in global affairs.