PM Modi Holds Talks with US Secretary of State Blinken at East Asia Summit, Expresses Sympathy for Hurricane Milton Casualties

Vientiane, Laos, October 11,:
" During Friday's East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. As the two leaders met, Prime Minister Modi also offered his condolences for the 14 deaths lost in the US since Wednesday as a result of Hurricane Milton.

Prime Minister Modi is currently in Laos for a two-day summit. Today, he is expected to take part in the East Asia Summit, following his participation in Thursday's 21st ASEAN-India Summit.

His visit is noteworthy because India's Act East Policy is turning ten this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has touched down in Vientiane, the capital of Laos," Jaiswal announced on Thursday, providing details of Modi's visit to the country. An official ceremonial greeting was given to him by senior Laotian ministers at the airport, but the genuine warmth and profound significance of the welcome he received at the hotel made all the difference.

Hoang Sisoulith met his Laotian counterpart, Vilayvong Bouddakham, upon his arrival.

Prime Minister Modi was presented with a formal Guard of Honour in Vientiane, the capital city, in modern times.

His next stop was in Vientiane, where he engaged with members of the Indian diaspora. He warmly welcomed the people of the Indian community who had gathered outside the Laotian hotel to meet him.

As part of the dignitary entourage that welcomed Prime Minister Modi, Laos' Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Education and Sports, Governor of the Bank of Laos, and Mayor of Vientiane were visible.

The distinguished Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang played an episode of Lao Ramayan, Phalak Phalam, for Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Laos. For generations, Laotians have maintained and passed on many aspects of Indian culture and custom, including the celebration of Ramayan.

“Vijaya Dashami is a few days away and today in Lao PDR, I saw a part of the Lao Ramayana, highlighting the victory of Prabhu Shri Ram over Ravan,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, alongside images from the Ramayan play he had seen in Laos. The fact that the locals here keep in touch with Ramayan traditions is encouraging. Our prayers to Prabhu Shri Ram are with us always.

Buddhism and the Ramayana are shared cultural antecedents between India and Laos, indicating a common historical and cultural bond between the two countries. Having been established in 1956, the bilateral relations with Laos are amicable.