Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday for a two-day visit to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. The summits come as ASEAN nations aim to foster cooperation with their key partners, including India.
Here are 10 key points about PM Modi’s visit:
1. Bilateral and Multilateral Focus
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to assess the progress of India’s relations with ASEAN nations and participate in key bilateral discussions with leaders from various countries attending the summits.
2. Emphasizing Act East Policy
Modi’s visit marks the tenth anniversary of India’s Act East Policy, a critical strategy to strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast Asia. Before departing, PM Modi highlighted the policy’s success in bringing “substantial benefits for our nation” in a post on X.
3. ASEAN-India Summit Overview
The 21st ASEAN-India Summit serves as a platform to review India-ASEAN relations and discuss future cooperation. The theme this year is ‘connectivity and resilience,’ reflecting ASEAN’s and India’s commitment to building stronger connections.
4. East Asia Summit’s Role
The 19th East Asia Summit brings together leaders from ASEAN and eight partner countries, including India, China, the US, and Japan, to discuss issues related to regional stability, peace, and prosperity.
5. Strengthening India-ASEAN Relations
The ASEAN-India Summit is a critical opportunity for PM Modi and other ASEAN heads of state to review and strategize ways to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN nations.
6. Key Bilateral Meetings
During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with several leaders. The focus will be on discussing trade, connectivity, and strategic partnerships to advance India’s role in Southeast Asia.
7. Importance of Connectivity
Connectivity remains a key pillar of India’s engagement with ASEAN, and India aims to expand direct flight connectivity with ASEAN countries by the end of the year. Currently, India has direct flights with seven ASEAN nations.
8. Diaspora Engagement
PM Modi highlighted that 20 percent of the Indian diaspora lives in ASEAN countries, reinforcing the deep cultural and historical ties between India and Southeast Asia.
9. The Significance of ASEAN for India
ASEAN nations remain key trade and investment partners for India. The summits are expected to yield discussions on increasing economic cooperation and exploring new areas for collaboration.
10. Strategic Discussions at the East Asia Summit
The East Asia Summit allows India to engage with regional powers and discuss issues of strategic importance, including security, maritime cooperation, and the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific.
