- विज्ञापन -
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a performance of Phalak-Phalam, or Phra Lak Phra Ram, a Lao adaptation of the Ramayana, staged by the esteemed Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. Alongside PM Modi were External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other notable figures who also observed the performance.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized in a press release that the Ramayana continues to be celebrated in Laos, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections between the two nations, with many aspects of Indian culture being preserved in Laos over centuries. The MEA also noted that the Archaeological Survey of India is working on restoring the Vat Phou temple and associated monuments in Laos. Dignitaries present at the event included Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Education and Sports, the Governor of the Bank of Laos, and the Mayor of Vientiane.
Before attending the Ramayana performance, PM Modi engaged in a blessing ceremony led by senior Buddhist monks from the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Laos, under the guidance of Most Venerable Mahaveth Masenai, the respected abbot of Si Saket temple in Vientiane. The MEA’s release further pointed out that the shared Buddhist heritage is another significant element of the civilizational bonds between India and Laos.
Earlier that day, PM Modi arrived in Vientiane for a two-day visit to Laos, where he is participating in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by Laos’ Minister of Home Affairs, Vilayvong Bouddakham, and received a ceremonial Guard of Honour. The visit was at the invitation of his Lao counterpart, Sonexay Siphandone. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “Sabaidee Laos! PM @narendramodi arrives in Vientiane, Lao PDR to a ceremonial Guard of Honour. Warmly welcomed by Minister of Home Affairs of Laos, Mr. Vilayvong Bouddakham.”
During the ASEAN-India summit and the East Asia summit, PM Modi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings. Ahead of his departure, he remarked on the tenth anniversary of India’s Act East Policy, stating he would join ASEAN leaders to assess the progress of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to outline future cooperative directions. He noted that the East Asia Summit would address challenges related to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, underscoring the cultural and civilizational ties shared with the region, particularly with Laos through Buddhism and the Ramayana.
PM Modi expressed optimism that his visit would strengthen bilateral relations with ASEAN countries. The ASEAN-India Summit aims to evaluate the advancement of India-ASEAN relations and plan future cooperation, while the East Asia Summit serves as a platform for fostering strategic trust among participants and discussing regional issues.
