Jaishankar’s Visit to Lao PDR Highlights India’s Commitment to ASEAN Framework

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is currently visiting Vientiane, Lao PDR, from July 25 to 27, 2024. This visit comes at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Lao PDR. Dr. Jaishankar is participating in the Foreign Ministers’ Meetings under the ASEAN framework, which includes the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

This visit underscores India’s deep engagement with the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, highlighting the country’s strong commitment to ASEAN unity, centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The meetings are also an opportunity to advance the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is of particular significance this year as it marks a decade since the announcement of India’s Act East Policy at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014.

During his time in Vientiane, Dr. Jaishankar is expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related meetings, further strengthening India’s diplomatic and strategic ties in the region.