New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Laos on Thursday on a two-day visit to attend the India and ASEAN summit. While addressing the India-ASEAN conference, Modi described the relations between the two as the need of the hour and said that India and ASEAN relations are very important in the times of tension and conflict. Modi said- I had announced India’s Act East policy. In the last decade, this policy has given new energy, direction and momentum to the relations between India and ASEAN countries. It is noteworthy that ASEAN is a group of 10 countries in South East Asia.
The Prime Minister said in this conference – In the last 10 years, our trade with ASEAN regions has almost doubled to more than 130 billion dollars. Modi described India as a peace loving country. On this occasion, he announced the launch of direct flights between India and Brunei in Laos. Modi said that India has direct flight services with seven ASEAN countries. The Prime Minister said- I believe that The 21st century is the century of India and ASEAN countries. He said in his speech – Today when there is a situation of conflict and tension in many parts of the world, friendship, dialogue and cooperation between India and ASEAN is very important.
Earlier, Buddhist monks welcomed the Prime Minister on his arrival in Laos. Prime Minister Modi also watched the Ramayana of Laos in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Prime Minister Modi attended the India-ASEAN summit for the 10th time in Laos. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandon had invited Prime Minister Modi. Laos is hosting the India-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit this year. It is noteworthy that this year the Act East Policy of Modi government is completing 10 years. In this respect also this tour becomes very important.