India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday for a series of key meetings aimed at deepening relations between India and Southeast Asian countries. Jaishankar’s visit is significant as it marks a decade since India launched its Act East Policy, which focuses on strengthening ties with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region.
Jaishankar met with Enrique Manalo, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, to discuss enhancing cooperation between the two democracies. They talked about their partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining ASEAN’s central role in regional affairs. Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in meeting Manalo and noted their discussions about mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific.
On the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings, Jaishankar also had a discussion with Bendito Freitas, the Foreign Minister of Timor Leste. They explored ways to further their bilateral relationship and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar highlighted the deepening friendship between Delhi and Dili and the expanding scope of their cooperation.
Jaishankar’s visit to Laos includes participation in several important ASEAN meetings, including the ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
These meetings are part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast Asian nations and celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Act East Policy, which was first introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the East Asia Summit in 2014.
During his time in Laos, Jaishankar is expected to hold additional bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other ASEAN countries. This visit underscores India’s commitment to the ASEAN-centered regional framework and highlights the importance of ASEAN unity and centrality in regional diplomacy.
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The ASEAN meetings in Vientiane are an opportunity for India to reaffirm its dedication to the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). This renewed focus on ASEAN reflects India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening economic and political ties with the region.
Jaishankar’s visit to Laos marks a significant step in advancing India’s Act East Policy and reinforcing its role in the evolving regional landscape of the Indo-Pacific.
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