Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Laos from October 10-11, 2024, marked a significant moment in India’s diplomatic relations with Southeast Asia. This visit was centered around the 21st India-ASEAN Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, highlighting India’s ongoing commitment to its Act East Policy and its deepening relationship with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Here’s a breakdown of the key outcomes and the broader implications of this trip.
Key Topics and Decisions
During the summit, PM Modi announced a 10-point action plan designed to further strengthen India’s strategic partnership with ASEAN. Some of the highlights include:
- Tourism Collaboration: India will celebrate 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism and contribute $5 million to support initiatives in this sector.
- Educational Scholarships: India will double the number of scholarships for ASEAN students, particularly at Nalanda University, and offer additional scholarships for agricultural studies.
- Disaster Resilience: India pledged $5 million to enhance disaster resilience efforts within ASEAN countries, focusing on creating a safer and more sustainable future.
- Cybersecurity Initiatives: To bolster digital resilience, a new ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue mechanism will be established.
Additionally, PM Modi emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Eurasia and West Asia, given the ongoing global tensions. This was a prominent theme at the East Asia Summit, where leaders discussed the broader geopolitical landscape.
Impact on India-Laos and India-ASEAN Relations
This visit further cemented India’s relationship with ASEAN, which has evolved from a sectoral dialogue partner in the early 1990s to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. Trade between India and ASEAN has doubled in the past decade, surpassing $130 billion, and the review of the trade-in-goods agreement is expected to unlock even more economic potential.
For Laos, the visit was particularly symbolic, underscoring the civilizational ties between the two nations. PM Modi witnessed a performance of the Lao adaptation of the Ramayana, a nod to the deep cultural linkages between India and Southeast Asia. This shared heritage fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect that extends beyond economic and political cooperation.
The Broader Geopolitical Context
Modi’s visit occurred at a time when global power dynamics are shifting, especially in Asia. The East Asia Summit, where PM Modi engaged with leaders from countries like Japan, Australia, and the United States, highlighted India’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific region. The Act East Policy—which focuses on enhancing connectivity, commerce, and cultural exchange with ASEAN—remains a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, and this visit only reinforced its significance.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Laos was not just about strengthening ties with ASEAN, but also about positioning India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. By focusing on tourism, education, disaster resilience, and digital cooperation, India and ASEAN are poised to tackle the challenges of the future together. As Modi remarked during the summit, “The 21st century is the century of India and ASEAN,” signaling a bright future for this critical partnership.