East Asia Summit provides opportunity to discuss peace, stability: PM Modi

New Delhi, Oct 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Lao PDR for key regional summits, signalling a deepening of India’s diplomatic, cultural, and strategic engagements with Southeast Asia.

In a message on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister shared, "Arrived in Lao PDR, ready for discussions with world leaders."

Upon arrival, Prime Minister Modi participated in a traditional blessing ceremony conducted by senior Buddhist monks, highlighting the deep cultural and religious ties between India and Laos. These bonds, rooted in Buddhism, trace back over two millennia to the third century BC, when Emperor Asoka’s emissaries, including Praya Chanthaburi Pasithisak, brought Buddha’s relics to Laos, enshrining them in the revered Pha That Luang, now the national monument of the Lao PDR. Historical documents like the Ourangkharittan chronicle confirm this legacy, which blends Indian literary traditions with Lao folklore.

Cultural landmarks such as Pha That Luang and Wat Phra Keo reflect the enduring fusion of Indian and Lao styles, and religious art in Laos continues to be influenced by Indian iconography, with Buddhist and Hindu elements coexisting. Theravada Buddhism, the predominant form practiced in Laos, remains deeply intertwined with Indian spiritual traditions.

Key Summits: ASEAN-India and East Asia

Prime Minister Modi is in Vientiane to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. Ahead of his departure, the Prime Minister remarked, “This year, we are marking a decade of our Act East Policy. I will join ASEAN leaders to review progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart future cooperation. The East Asia Summit provides an opportunity to discuss peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”

India’s cultural and civilizational ties with Southeast Asia, especially Laos, have been enhanced by a shared heritage, including Buddhism and the Ramayana. During his visit, Modi will meet with Lao leadership to strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, development projects, and cultural cooperation.

ASEAN-India Partnership & Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Modi’s visit comes as India celebrates the 10th anniversary of its "Act East" Policy, aimed at expanding ties with ASEAN countries. At the ASEAN-India Summit, discussions will review the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in areas like trade, connectivity, and regional security.

At the 19th East Asia Summit, which serves as a crucial platform for strategic dialogue in the Indo-Pacific, discussions will center on key regional issues such as the conflict in Myanmar and tensions in the South China Sea. India’s growing role in shaping the Indo-Pacific agenda will be highlighted, particularly in discussions on maintaining peace and stability.

Focus on Myanmar and Regional Dynamics

Two major issues expected to dominate discussions are the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, where a military coup in 2021 has led to a civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Despite a five-point consensus by ASEAN, little progress has been made in resolving the violence in Myanmar. The presence of the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the summits adds to the diplomatic significance, with both nations playing key roles in the region.