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Vientiane: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Laos on Thursday to attend the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summit. PM Modi said that India-ASEAN friendship is very important at a time when many parts of the world are facing conflict and tension.
PM Narendra Modi said that we are a peace-loving nation. We value the unity and integrity of nations. We are committed to providing a bright future to our youth.
Historical relations with ASEAN countries
Addressing the 21st India-ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Modi said that he had announced the Act East Policy 10 years ago and over the last decade it has given new energy, direction and momentum to the historic ties between India and ASEAN countries.
Benefits of scholarship to students
PM Modi said that people-centric approach is the basis of our development partnership. More than 300 ASEAN students have benefited from scholarship in Nalanda University. Network of Universities has been launched. Work has been done for shared heritage and conservation in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia.
India-Laos relations
PM Modi interacted with Indian expatriates upon his arrival in Vientiane. He greeted members of the Indian community outside the hotel in Laos.
PM Modi was welcomed by several politicians of Laos including the Home Minister, Minister of Education and Sports, Governor of the Bank of Laos and the Mayor of Vientiane.
India and Laos have historical and civilisational ties, reflected in the shared heritage of Buddhism and the Ramayana. Bilateral relations with Laos are friendly and were established in 1956.
Grand welcome to PM Modi
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the special welcome extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasised India's centuries-old ties and civilisational connect with Laos.
Guard of honour to PM Modi
Sharing details of PM Modi's visit to Laos, Jaiswal said that Laos Home Minister Vilayvong Boudakham welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival. PM Modi was also given a formal guard of honour.
Recitation of the Gayatri Mantra
Jaiswal said that members of the Lao community and members of the Indian community recited the Gayatri Mantra and welcomed him.
They also performed a Bihu dance for the PM. The PM then attended a blessing ceremony attended by senior Buddhist monks.
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