Video: PM Modi Receives Rousing Welcome from Indian Diaspora in Laos

 Vientiane: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora as he arrived in Laos for a two-day visit to participate in the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits. 

Greeted with warm, traditional welcome at the airport by Lao PDR Minister of Home Affairs Vilaywong Bouddhakham and later at the hotel lobby by the Indian community, Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming discussions with world leaders. During his visit, Modi will engage in talks aimed at deepening India’s ties with ASEAN nations and furthering the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

“Landed in Lao PDR. Looking forward to the deliberations with various world leaders,” Modi posted on X after reaching there.

During the visit, Modi will participate in the 21st ASEAN-India and the 19th East Asia summits.

In his departure statement in New Delhi, Modi noted that India is marking a decade of Act East policy this year.

“I will join the ASEAN leaders to review progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of our cooperation,” the prime minister said.

The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, he said.

Modi said India shared close cultural and civilisation ties with the region, including with the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), which is enriched by a shared heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana.

“I look forward to my meetings with the Lao PDR leadership to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” he said.

(With Inputs from PTI)