India's Pabitra Margherita Visits Laos to Mark 70 Years of Ties

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, visited Vientiane on August 28 to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Laos. During the official visit, Margherita met with Thongsavanh Phomvihane, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, to reaffirm India's commitment to a partnership focused on shared progress and prosperity.

Margherita addressed a joint seminar titled 'India and Lao PDR at 70: From Development Partnership to Comprehensive Partnership,' which was co-organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Laos and the Embassy of India. In his address, he highlighted historical ties, mutual trust, and the role of both nations as partners in the Global South.

The visit included reviews of cooperation projects and tours of cultural and historical sites, including the That Luang and the Patuxay Monument. According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, the visit underscores India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, positioning Laos and Vietnam as key partners in maintaining ASEAN unity and centrality.