New Delhi | June 4,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
India-Laos Joint Commission Meeting 2026:
Highlighting the deep civilisational ties between India and Laos, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that the bilateral relationship between the two countries is deeply rooted in their shared heritage of Buddhism and the enduring legacy of the Ramayana.
Jaishankar made the remarks while opening the 10th India-Lao PDR Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi alongside Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane. The meeting comes at a significant time as India and Laos celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
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Shared Civilisational Heritage Strengthens Ties
Speaking at the meeting, Jaishankar emphasized that the relationship between the two nations extends far beyond modern diplomacy.
“Our two countries have close civilisational ties reflected in the common heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana. Our relations go back in history based on deep cultural and people-to-people linkages,” he said.
The minister also recalled his visit to Laos during the country’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024, where he had the opportunity to meet the Lao leadership and witness the growing cooperation between the two nations.
Reviewing Progress Across Key Sectors
The Joint Commission Meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review progress made under various agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Laos in 2024.
Jaishankar noted that discussions would cover a broad range of areas, including political cooperation, economic engagement, defence collaboration, development partnerships, education, cultural exchanges and multilateral cooperation.
“Today we have an opportunity to review them and explore a wide-ranging agenda. I am very confident that our discussions will be productive,” he said.
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Congratulations to Lao Leadership
During the meeting, Jaishankar congratulated Phomvihane on the successful conduct of Laos’ National Assembly elections earlier this year and on his elevation as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
Phomvihane arrived in India on Monday for his first official visit to the country in his new role. His visit underscores the importance both nations attach to strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding engagement across multiple sectors.
Celebrating 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, describing the visit as a milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
According to the MEA, India and Lao PDR are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2026. The ministry said the visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
With shared cultural roots, expanding strategic engagement and growing regional cooperation, India and Laos continue to strengthen a partnership that has been built on decades of friendship and mutual respect.
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