EAM S Jaishankar's Lao PDR Visit Strengthens ASEAN Ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to visit Vientiane, Lao PDR from July 25-27, emphasizing India's strategic partnership and commitment to ASEAN. The visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of India's Act East Policy, underlining strong regional cooperation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit Vientiane, Lao PDR from July 25 to 27. The visit, announced by the Ministry of External Affairs, aims to participate in the Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework, including the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Invited by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR, Saleumxay Kommasith, Jaishankar's visit emphasizes India's deep engagement with ASEAN and its commitment to regional unity and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). This year marks a decade of India's Act East Policy, underscoring its strategic focus on ASEAN-centered architecture.

During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from various countries in Vientiane. ASEAN, a political and economic union of 10 Southeast Asian nations, views India as a valued partner. The ongoing discussions reflect expanding real-time payment linkages and further cooperation under Lao PDR's ASEAN Chairmanship.