Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first leader invited to address the East Asia Summit after the host and incoming chair, according to sources. His significant role within ASEAN was also acknowledged, as he stands out as the only leader who has participated in the most East Asia Summits—nine out of the 19 held so far.
The East Asia Summit (EAS) is an annual gathering of heads of state and government from participating countries. The EAS process began in 2005 with the first summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Initially, the summit included 16 participating nations: ASEAN member states, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. The United States and Russia joined the summit in 2011 during the sixth meeting in Bali.
In his address, PM Modi emphasized India’s unwavering support for ASEAN unity and centrality, highlighting ASEAN’s central role in India’s Indo-Pacific vision and cooperation within the Quad framework. He stated, “There are deep parallels between India’s ‘Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative’ and the ‘ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific.’ A free, open, inclusive, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific is essential for the peace and progress of the entire region.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Vientiane. During their meeting, Modi expressed condolences for the loss of at least 14 lives in the US due to Hurricane Milton. Currently, PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Laos.
On Thursday, he also participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit, marking a decade since the launch of India’s Act East Policy. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), upon his arrival in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome from senior Laotian government ministers. Notably, he was greeted warmly by Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham, and given a ceremonial Guard of Honour.
Following this, PM Modi interacted with the Indian diaspora in Vientiane, engaging with community members who gathered to meet him outside the hotel. Additionally, upon his arrival, he attended a performance of the Lao Ramayana, known as Phalak Phalam, presented by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. The Ramayana remains a celebrated cultural touchstone in Laos, along with various other aspects of Indian culture that have been preserved there for centuries.
Sharing images of the Ramayana performance, PM Modi posted on X, “Vijaya Dashami is just a few days away, and today in Lao PDR, I witnessed a segment of the Lao Ramayana, showcasing the triumph of Prabhu Shri Ram over Ravan. It’s heartening to see the enduring connection here to the Ramayana. May the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram always be with us!”
Before departing for Laos, PM Modi remarked that the East Asia Summit would allow for discussions on the challenges facing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. He noted, “This year, we are marking a decade of our Act East Policy. I will join ASEAN leaders to review the progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and determine the future direction of our cooperation.”