On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a visit to Laos. The Indian Prime Minister has already arrived in Vientiane to participate in the meetings to be held on the margins of the summit of the ASEAN, which is currently chaired by Laos. He also holds bilateral meetings with leaders of the ASEAN countries. At the airport, he was received by Laos Home Minister Vilayvong Boudakham. He also received a guard of honour.
From Chants of Gayatri Mant to rare Laotian Ramayan: PM Modi receives Indian style welcome in Laos
In Laos, PM Modi received an Indian-style welcome as the chants of Gayatri Mantra and Laotian Ramayan reverberated in the air. He also witnessed a glimpse of India-Laos’ shared heritage and centuries-old civilization. The citizens of Laos uniquely welcomed PM Modi by chanting Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha.
He witnessed the staging of the Lao Ramayana ‘Phalak Phalam’ or ‘Phralak Phram’. It was performed by the artists of the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. The Lao Ramayana is slightly different from the original Indian version. It reached Laos during the 16th century through Buddhist groups. It was brought to the Lao kingdom of Lane Xang by Buddhist missions centuries ago.
Some glimpses from the memorable episode of Phalak Phalam or Phra Lak Phra Ram I witnessed in Lao PDR. pic.twitter.com/0XYQATl7BE
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 10, 2024
Taking to X, India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “Shared heritage and tradition bringing the two countries closer. PM @narendramodi witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayana (called Phalak Phalam or Phra Lak Phra Ram), performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. The performance was an exquisite display of India-Laos rich and shared linkages.”
🇮🇳-🇱🇦| Shared heritage and tradition bringing the two countries closer.
PM @narendramodi witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayana (called Phalak Phalam or Phra Lak Phra Ram), performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang.
The performance was an exquisite display of… pic.twitter.com/Y2CMiIsM0V
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 10, 2024
PM Modi said that the East Asia Summit and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Summit is an opportunity to discuss issues such as peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and chart a future course of action on cooperation with the regional bloc.
“The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” Modi was quoted as saying.
“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.
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India has close strategic and trade relations with ASEAN members such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
India also shares cultural and civilizational ties with Southeast Asia, including Laos, the Prime Minister asserted.
“I look forward to my meetings with the Lao PDR leadership to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” Modi said.
During his visit, Modi is also expected to attend a dinner hosted by his Lao counterpart for the visiting leaders.
With over 20 percent of the Indian diaspora worldwide living in the ASEAN region, India currently has direct flights with seven members of the 10-state bloc, and direct flight connectivity with two more countries is expected to be established by the end of the year.
India is completing a decade of Act East policy this year. PM Modi said, “I will review the progress in our comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN leaders and chart the future direction of our cooperation. This is a special year as we are completing a decade of our Act East policy, which has brought immense benefits to our nation.”
The aim of the ‘Act East’ policy is to promote economic cooperation and political, economic, and cultural relations at bilateral and regional levels. Another objective of this is to develop strategic relations with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region.
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967. Its member countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Brunei Darussalam. 10 member countries of ASEAN and eight partner countries – Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia and America are participating in the East Asia Summit.