Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Vientiane, Laos, on a two-day visit to interact with the Indian diaspora and receive blessings from Buddhist monks. Modi’s visit becomes highly significant since it coincides with a decade of India’s Act East Policy. PM Modi will be attending the 21st ASEAN-India and the 19th East Asia Summit during his two-day stay.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi greeted the members of the Indian community who were enthusiastically waiting to meet him outside his hotel. Among many dignitaries, Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Education and Sports, Governor of the Bank of Laos, and the Mayor of Vientiane received him.
At the Hotel Double Tree, PM Modi interacted with the Indian diaspora and received a grand welcome. There was such a frenzy that even the dancers were dancing on the traditional Bihu. To this, the PM said, “The Bihu performance has been a marvelous representation of India’s vibrant culture.“
PM Modi joined the special prayer at a ceremony conducted by senior Buddhist monks from Laos. The monks belonged to the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organisation of Laos and blessed PM Modi. The prayers were led by a highly revered abbot of Si Saket temple in Vientiane, Mahaveth Masenai. India and Laos enjoy a close civilizational tie, particularly through their common Buddhist heritage.
The Prime Minister also visited the conservation works done by India to preserve the historic temples of Laos. Archaeological Survey of India is working on projects such as the preservation of the Vat Phou temple, in collaboration with the Lao government. This reflects India’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage worldwide.
Later, PM Modi watched a performance of Phalak Phalam, an episode from the Lao version of the Ramayana, staged by the Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. The epic of Ramayana is highly popular in Laotian culture, and various Indian traditions have been well-maintained for centuries.
India and Laos have close historical ties as well as civilizational affinity. The two countries have shared friendly bilateral relations since 1956. India has always been supportive of Laos through various development initiatives. Such as the Lao-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre which has trained Lao entrepreneurs. Besides, India has given Quick Impact Projects to the nation, lines of credit worth more than 230 million USD. And promotes a bilateral trade valued at more than 100 million USD.
PM Modi’s visit also underlines the significance of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation key aspect of India’s Act East Policy for security, growth, and cooperation. The visit of the Prime Minister to Laos would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. And open up more avenues for cooperation in the future.
ANI
