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Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Vientiane, the Indian community in Laos gathered outside his hotel to welcome him to the Southeast Asian country.
PM Modi departed this morning for a two-day visit to Laos to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. His visit comes at the invitation of his Laos counterpart Sonexay Siphandone. Ajit Parida, who has been living in Laos said that PM Modi's arrival in Laos is a "joyful time" for the Indian community. Speaking to ANI, Ajit Parida said, "I think it's joyful. He's our Prime Minister and being in Laos for the last seven years and hearing that the Prime Minister is going to come, I think it's really a joyful time for the entire Indian community, for all walks of life that we are in and it shows our unity as a country to come and welcome our Prime Minister and hear the good news that he brings and share our good news to him." Another Indian diaspora member, Pulak called PM Modi a very good leader. He said that PM Modi's visit to Vientiane demonstrates the importance that India attaches to its ties with Laos. Pulak said, "I have been here for 12 years. I was here since Lucknow. I was a full-time based in Laos until last year. I have moved to Abu Dhabi. But somehow it's very fortunate that I am here on this particular day. My wife is Laotian. So that's a good bonding that we have between the two countries here. I'm totally overwhelmed, emotional that he is here. He is a very good leader. He is one of the best leaders that we have ever had. He was in Abu Dhabi a few months back." "Fortunately, unfortunately, I was there, but very far. So I'm feeling very happy, at least, I get this opportunity to see more closely. And it's really a good moment for us that he's coming here. It shows how much Laos is important for India, especially related to our Look East policy. I really appreciate that he's coming here, a visionary leader who is not only respected in India across the world. And if he's coming here, it's really fortunate for us," he further said. Another diaspora member, Namrata Jaitley, said that they are excited to welcome PM Modi and called it a "big moment" for the two nations to strengthen their partnership. Namrata Jaitley said, "I think it is really a privilege to be here and actually to be in Laos when Shri Modi Ji is going to be here. So, I'm very excited and I think it is a big moment for India and Laos to strengthen their partnership and we all know Modi Ji is a visionary leader." She further said, "So, with him coming here, I think the ancient linkages which both these countries have will get further strengthened. I really hope he has a chance to visit the Buddha park here, where you will be surprised to see a number of our Indian deities, their statues there, along with the statue of Buddha. So that itself shows what ancient links both the countries have. So really, happy to have and welcome Modiji here." Another diaspora member said, "Today is a very happy day. I am very happy because as you can see in India, our Ram Lalla Temple has been established, Article 370 has been abrogated. I am happy that PM Modi is coming here." Ahead of this departure to Laos, PM Modi said that the East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. "This year we are marking a decade of our Act East Policy. I will join the ASEAN leaders to review progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of our cooperation," PM Modi said in a statement. He further said, "The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. We share close cultural and civilisational ties with the region, including with Lao PDR, which are enriched by shared heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana." In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Leaving for Lao PDR to take part in the 21st ASEAN-India and 19th East Asia Summit. This is a special year as we mark a decade of our Act East Policy, which has led to substantial benefits for our nation. There will also be various bilateral meetings and interactions with various world leaders during this visit." PM Modi said that he looks forward to his meetings with Laos leadership to further strengthen bilateral ties and expressed confidence that the visit will further deepen engagement with ASEAN countries. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also stated, "India's Act East policy: A decade-old commitment growing strong! PM @narendramodi embarks on a two-day visit to Lao PDR, to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India and 19th East Asia Summit." (ANI)
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