MoS Pabitra Margherita reaffirms Act East Policy and ASEAN centrality in Vietnam and Laos visit

**India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita Concludes Vietnam‑Laos Visit**

*New Delhi, 30 August 2026* – Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita returned to India on Thursday after an official trip to Vietnam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) from 26 to 29 August. The visit, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), aimed to deepen bilateral ties and reinforce India’s regional engagement under its “Act East” policy and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo‑Pacific (AOIP).

**Vietnam**

In Hanoi, Margherita met Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Senior Lieutenant General Le Tan Toi. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation following the state visit of Vietnam’s President To Lam to India in May 2026. The minister delivered a keynote address at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, interacted with representatives from the tourism and textile sectors, and met alumni of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programmes.

Margherita also visited Garco 10 Corporation, a leading Vietnamese apparel manufacturer, and addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Vietnam, reiterating the Indian government’s commitment to their welfare.

**Laos**

The Lao leg of the trip coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Laos. In Vientiane, Margherita held talks with Deputy Prime Ministers Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Khamlieng Outhakaysone, as well as Deputy Foreign Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo. He delivered the keynote address at the “India‑Lao PDR at 70” joint seminar and launched a cultural project aimed at preserving the traditional Phlak‑Phlam dance.

During a stop in Luang Prabang, the minister witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the “Conservation and Restoration of Murals at Wat Pa Khae Temple.” He also visited several Quick‑Impact Project sites, including the Bodhi Tree at Mt. Phou Si and the Ramayana Theatre.

**Policy Emphasis**

The MEA statement highlighted that the visit “further strengthened India’s bilateral partnerships with Vietnam and Lao PDR under the Act East Policy, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo‑Pacific.” No new agreements were reported beyond the cultural and heritage initiatives mentioned above.

The minister’s itinerary reflects India’s ongoing effort to deepen economic, cultural, and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations while supporting the broader regional architecture led by ASEAN.

Article and image source: vietnamtribune.com