PM Modi Departs for Laos to Attend ASEAN-India Summit, Focusing on Connectivity and Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Laos for a two-day trip starting Thursday, October 10, to participate in the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit. The visit marks the 10th anniversary of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, focusing on enhancing connectivity and expanding digital public infrastructure. During the summit, discussions will cover regional issues such as the South China Sea tensions and the Myanmar civil war, with ASEAN proposing a peace plan for Myanmar. PM Modi is expected to meet Laos PM Sonexay Siphandone and other leaders for bilateral talks. There may also be a meeting with Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, attending his first foreign summit since taking office. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized India's commitment to ASEAN's five-point consensus on the Myanmar crisis. Connectivity remains a key pillar of the India-ASEAN partnership, with direct flight services connecting seven ASEAN nations and potential new links to two more countries by the year’s end. PM Modi will review the progress and set future directions for India-ASEAN relations during the 10th ASEAN-India Summit.