External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, to engage in a series of crucial meetings under the ASEAN framework. These meetings, taking place from July 25 to 27, include the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) gatherings. The visit marks a significant moment as it aligns with the celebration of a decade of India’s Act East Policy, a strategic approach aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and beyond.
Upon his arrival, Jaishankar shared his anticipation on X, expressing his eagerness to deepen India’s relationship with ASEAN. This visit is part of a broader initiative to enhance India’s engagement with the region, which is central to the country's Indo-Pacific vision.
The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane is a high-profile event, drawing over 1,000 delegates from 31 countries, including foreign ministers and other representatives.
Laos, serving as the ASEAN Chair for 2024, is hosting 25 ministerial meetings under the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” from July 22 to 27. This theme reflects the region's focus on improving regional integration and strengthening resilience in the face of various challenges.
India’s participation in these meetings underscores the country’s commitment to the ASEAN-centred regional architecture. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the significance of this visit, noting the importance of ASEAN unity and centrality in India’s strategic vision. The ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a cornerstone of this engagement, aiming to foster deeper cooperation between the two regions.
This visit is particularly notable as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East Policy, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014. The policy has been instrumental in shaping India’s relations with Southeast Asia and reinforcing its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition to attending the ASEAN meetings, Jaishankar will also hold bilateral discussions with various leaders. Notably, he is scheduled to meet with Saleumxay Kommasith, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos. These discussions are expected to cover a range of topics, from bilateral cooperation to regional issues.
Following his visit to Vientiane, Jaishankar will travel to Tokyo to participate in the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 29. This meeting will include his counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the United States, highlighting the ongoing collaboration among these key partners.
The presence of high-profile figures such as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Vientiane further emphasises the global importance of the ASEAN meetings. Their participation reflects the strategic significance of ASEAN in global diplomacy and international relations.
Jaishankar’s visit to Laos is a testament to India’s dedication to strengthening its ties with ASEAN and enhancing its role in the Indo-Pacific region. The meetings in Vientiane are expected to reinforce India’s strategic partnerships and contribute to the broader goal of regional stability and prosperity.
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