Embassy of India

Vientiane, Laos

Embassy of India
Vientiane

INDIA-LAO PDR BILATERAL RELATIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

India and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) have historical and civilizational links reflected in common heritage of Buddhism and Ramakien (Ramayana). According to a legend, emissaries of King Asoka brought a relic of the Buddha to Laos, which are believed to have been placed underneath That Luang, Laos’ national monument, in Vientiane. The ancient Shiva temple of Bhadreshwara, now known as Vat Phou, is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex in southern Laos. Ramayana (local version is called Ramakien or the Story of Phra Lak Phra Ram) is popular and revered in Laos and is performed on auspicious occasions.

2. India played a key role as the Chairman of the International Commission for Supervision and Control (ICSC) for Laos which was established following the Geneva Agreements of July 1954 for cessation of hostilities in Indo-China and withdrawal of French colonial power. 

II. POLITICAL

3. Bilateral relations with Laos have been long-standing, friendly and mutually supportive since diplomatic relations were established in 1956. There is regard and respect for India and the India story of development.

4. Laos has been supportive of us on many major issues of regional and international concerns to India, including our claim for permanent membership of the UN Security Council. Laos also supported India’s candidature to non-permanent UNSC seat for the term 2021-2022 in exchange for support of Lao candidature for the membership of UN Economic and Social Council for the term 2023-2025. Laos has also extended support of India’s candidature for non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2028-29

5. Institutional consultative mechanisms include FOCs (the 3rd FOC was held in Vientiane on 27 July 2023) and JCM (the 8th JCM was held in New Delhi on 10 August, 2015 and the 9th JCM was held on 23 November 2018 in Vientiane). Dates for 10th JCM have been under discussion.

High level visits:

6. Engagements during Lao ASEAN Chair term for 2024:

At the invitation of Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao PDR, Prime Minister  (PM) Shir Narendra Modi visited Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 10-11 October 2024. PM attended the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit hosted by Lao PDR as ASEAN Chair for 2024. PM had bilateral meeting with Lao PM and also met President of Lao PDR Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith. Following the talks, both PMs witnessed exchange of MoUs/ Agreement in the fields of defence, broadcasting, customs cooperation, and three Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation. Grant assistance of about USD 1 million to improve nutrition security in Lao PDR was also announced. On arrival, PM received warm welcome by Indian community in Lao PDR. PM met senior Buddhist monks for a blessing ceremony and also witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayana (called Phalak Phalam or Phra Lak Phra Ram), performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. He also witnessed an exhibition on restoration work by ASI of UNESCO World heritage site of Vat Phou. He also had several bilateral and pull aside meetings with other leaders.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Vientiane on 25-27 July 2024 to participate in Foreign Ministers' Meetings under the ASEAN framework. EAM paid a courtesy call on  PM Sonexay Siphandone and had bilateral meeting with DPM&FM Saleumxay Kommasith. Both ministers witnessed exchange of MoUs on 10 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for Laos under MGC and an MoU for ‘Cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale for Digital Transformation. They also launched a special stamp set celebrating shared cultural heritage of Ramayana and Buddhism. EAM also interacted with Lao PDR Ministers of Home Affairs; of Industry and Commerce; Chairman, Foreign Affairs Committee of National Assembly; and Special Envoy on Myanmar. EAM also interacted with ICCR scholars from Lao PDR, and launched Common Yoga Protocol in Lao language. 

Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal led Indian delegation to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India Economic Ministers (AEM-India) meeting and the 12th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers Meeting (EAS EMM) on 20-21 September 2024 . During the visit, CIM had bilateral meeting with his Lao counterpart Malaithong Kommasith.

Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh paid official visit to Lao PDR from 20-22 November, to attend the ASEAN Defence Minister’s Meeting Plus (ADMM- Plus). He also held bilateral meeting with his Lao counterpart, Mr Chansamone Chanyalath.

A two-member delegation led by Shri Rameswar Teli, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) visited Lao PDR to attend ASEAN-Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and related meetings from 19-22 October 2024. 

Secretary (East) Shri Jaideep Mazumdar visited Lao PDR on June 6-9, 2024 for EAS and ARF SOM and then from 21-23 August 2024 to attend EAS Prep-SOM. On both occasions, he also had bilateral meeting with Lao PDR Deputy Foreign Minister and SOM leader Thongphan Savanphet.

7. Media-Exchange: Under ASEAN-India media exchange programme, a media delegation visited Laos on 01-03 July 2024 for interactions with ASEAN & Press Departments, Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs & at Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism and also visited Vat Phou World Heritage Site.

8. Recent High level interactions: Voice of the Global South Summits: For VOGSS3 held virtually on August 17, 2024, Lao PM Mr. Sonexay Siphandone joined PM Modi for the inaugural Leaders’ session. In EAM-I session, Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Thongphane Savanphet and in Health session, Lao Deputy Health Minister Dr. Snong Thongsna participated.   For VOGSS2 held on 17 November 2023, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM&FM) Saleumxay Kommasith participated in Foreign Ministers’ Session.  Associate Professor Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports participated in Education Ministers’ Session of VOGSS2. He also participated in Education Ministers’ session of VOGSS1 in January 2023.

     On sidelines of ASEAN PMC, EAM had a bilateral meeting with DPM&FM Saleumxay Kommasith in Jakarta on 12 July 2023.

     EAM and DPM&FM Saleumxay Kommasith and EAM co-chaired the 12th MGC Foreign Ministers meeting in Bangkok on 16 July 2023.

 9. Other visits:

Ngampasong Muongmany, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, visited India from 22-25 March 2022 to attend WINGS INDIA 2022. Sanya Praseuth, Member of Parliament, Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee, National Assembly led Lao parliamentary delegation to India from 10-14 August 2022, as a part of the celebrations of ASEAN-India Friendship Year - 2022. ASEAN Chair Laos’ Special Envoy for Myanmar, Alounkeo Kittikhoun visited India on 22 March 2024 and called on EAM, Secretary (East), Deputy NSA & DG ICWA. Saysongkham Manodham, Vice Minister of Public Works and Transport visited New Delhi for 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference (APAC-MC) on Civil Aviation on September 11-12, 2024. 

Brigadier General Thanoukone Souliyaseng, Political Commissar or Lao Air Force (equivalent to rank of Chief of Air Force) participated in Aero India 2025 from February 09-14, 2025.

Cooperation during COVID-19 Pandemic:

10. Telephonic Conversation between Indian and Lao PM : On 12 June 2020, PM Modi spoke on phone with Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, the then Prime Minister of Lao PDR. The two leaders exchanged views on the health and economic challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Both leaders agreed on need for international cooperation, and for sharing of best-practices and experiences, in order to prepare for the post-COVID world.

11. Medicines gifted to Lao PDR : On 04 August 2020, a consignment of medicines and medical supplies gifted by India to Lao PDR was handed over to Minister of Health of Lao PDR to support fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

12. Covid-19 Vaccines gifted to Lao PDR: On 02 March 2023, 50,000 doses of Covovax vaccines were gifted to Lao PDR.

13. Flood relief emergency assistance: India sent emergency flood relief assistance to help Lao PDR in dealing with the floods after typhoon Yagi that have caused widespread damage and affected a large number of people. Flood relief supplies worth about USD 100,000 such as water purification tablets, blankets, mosquito nets, disinfectants, sleeping bags and a 30 KV genset were sent on-board a special aircraft of Indian Air Force on 15 September 2024 and handed over to Leepao Yang, Vice Minister of Labour and Social Welfare. 

14. MoUs and Agreements

 15. MoUs under consideration:

• MoU on Promotion and Protection of Investment between the two countries.

• MoU on Double Taxation and Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)

• MoU for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and allied sectors between the two countries.

• MoU between India and Mekong River Commission.

• MoU on Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP)

• MoU for pharmaceutical cooperation

III. DEFENCE COOPERATION:

16. An Indian Army Training Team (IATT) was established on 10 Aug 1995 at Kaysone Phomvihane Academy of National Defence (KAND), Vientiane through bilateral MOU under ITEC Program. Permanent teams deployed at College of National Defence/ KAND were from (a) India, (b) China, (c) Vietnam and (d) Russia. The last IATT team departed in June 2022. Mission has been requesting Lao side to submit the request for the next team. Ministry of National Defence has linked arrival of new IATT with proposed MOU on Defence cooperation. This MoU focussing on capacity building, is under consideration. There exists an Agreement on Defence Cooperation of 2002, Indian Army had also conducted three training capsules on UXOs and De-Mining in Laos in 2011, 2012 and 2013.  Under ITEC programme, 7 officers from Laos medical military department participated in the first CLMV e-ITEC defence medical course on COVID-19 organised from 06 - 09 July 2020.
2 officers from Lao Army are participating for English language training under ITEC Training programme for year 2025-26.

IV. DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

17. Human Resource Development: Government of India has been providing  scholarships annually to Lao nationals under various schemes. Under ITEC, Govt. of India provides short-term and a few long-term training courses in various areas to Lao nationals (government officials/nominees); so far about 1500 Lao nationals have been trained under ITEC. 18 scholarships to Lao students for pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D degrees are also awarded under ICCR/MGC. 5 students received ASEAN scholarship to study Master’s program at Nalanda University for the academic batch 2022-24.

18. 15 Lao PDR diplomats attended 2nd Special Course for diplomats at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS), New Delhi from 27 March - 05 April 2024.  

Grant Assistance 

19. LIEDC (Lao-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre) set up in November 2004, trains Lao entrepreneurs for setting up small and medium scale business. It has so far trained more than 15,000 individuals.

20. LICELT [Lao India Centre for English Language Training] set up in National University of Lao PDR, Vientiane  is one of assistance projects in human resource development.

21. India set up an IT centre in Vientiane in Nov 2004, as well as a National Data Centre in May 2006. Ten Rural Telecommunication Centres have been set up.

22. Centre for Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT) set up under ASEAN-India cooperation was inaugurated in Vientiane in November, 2018.  So far, CESDT has imparted training to around 400 participants in different courses from different organizations of Lao PDR including government officials.

23.    A food fortification project for Lao PDR, funded by grant assistance of 1 mn USD from India- UN Development Partnership Fund was inaugurated in March 2025. The Project is being implemented by World Food Programme and Ministry of Health of Lao PDR.

24. Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) : An umbrella agreement for Indian Grant Assistance for QIPs was signed between India and Lao PDR on 18 September, 2015 valid for 5 years, then extended for another five years in 2020. So far, MOUs for 30 QIPs have been signed, including for 10 QIPs during EAM visit in July 2024 and 04 QIPs during PM visit in October 2024. Till date, 16 QIP Projects have been completed and 14 are under implementation.

25. Heritage Conservation: An MOU was signed with the Ministry of Information and Culture in May 2007 for the restoration of the UNESCO world heritage site at Vat Phu an ancient Shiva Temple. The work on the project began in June 2009.  Eight seasons of restoration work in Phase I with budget of INR 13.26 crore were completed in May 2017. Restoration project is currently in its second phase which commenced in November 2018 and would continue till 2028 with a financial implication of Rs. 24.8 Crore. Late Mr. Bounlap Keokangna who was the Deputy Director of World Heritage Management Office, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Champasak Province, was awarded Padma Sri in 2018 for his contribution to the restoration project being undertaken by ASI.

26. Lines of Credit: LoCs worth USD 236.23 million have been extended/offered to Laos  for irrigation schemes, power transmission and distribution, and solar and hydroelectric projects as under:

a)   US$ 10 million for 115 KV Transmission Line from Ban-Na in Champassak Province to Attapeu– completed in 2006.

b)   US$ 33 million LOC for (a) Equipment for rural electrification, (b) Pakson-Jaingxai- Bangyo Transmission Line and (c) Nam Song 7.5 MW Hydropower Project – completed in 2009, 2010 and 2012 respectively.

c)    US$ 17.34 million LOC for Irrigation schemes in Champassak Province: comprising 3 components: (a) Conversion of diesel to electric driven pump sets & improvement of 3 pumping stations, (b) installation of ten large pump sets and (c) six large irrigation schemes (2009) – completed in 2015.

d)   LoC of USD 72.55 million was extended to Lao PDR in 2010 for (a) 230 KV Double Circuit Transmission Line from Nabong to Thabok and substations has been completed (USD 37.30 million) (b) Balance part of LoC (USD 35.25 million) for Improvement and Expansion of 22KV Distribution Line in Vientiane Capital City Branches Project - discussions are underway for implementation.

e)   US$ 30.94 million LOC for irrigation projects – One component i.e. conversion and commissioning of diesel driven pumps into electric pumps completed in August 2019 (US$ 7.35 million). At present, work on Nam Xang storage dam project to irrigate 1,050 hectares (USD 14.76 million), as also solar irrigation pumps and pico hydropower project (USD 5.72 million), is under progress. Other components are under discussion with Government of Lao PDR which at our request has sought a fresh LOC for USD 20.75 million that remains to be disbursed under this LOC.

f)    US$ 72.40 LOC for setting up of Agriculture College in Champasak province – LOC was extended to Lao PDR in 2016 for setting up an Agricultural College in Champasak Province. On request of Lao side, GOI’s approval for re-purposing of this LOC was conveyed to the Lao side in Sept 2019. This LOC is yet to be signed.

g)  (v) LOC-5 of USD 72.40 million was extended in 2016. There are three projects under this LOC.

            a) Upgrading and renovating 4 existing agricultural colleges in Lao PDR.

            b)Improving extension and training activities and Research and Development

            c) Establishing pilot projects with irrigation and other associated facilities for inter-alia  cultivation of alternative crops including cash crops.

     However this LoC has been annulled due to it remaining unsigned for a considerable    amount  of time.

V.  ECONOMIC & COMMERCIAL

27. Bilateral Trade: Following decline during Covid-19, bilateral trade registered growth of 23.4% in 2023-24 over the previous year.

Source: Department of Commerce, Government of India. (Figures in US $ million)

Source: Department of Commerce, Govt. of India. (Figures in US $ million)

28. The ASEAN India Business Council (AIBC) based in Malaysia has a Chapter in Lao PDR. In pursuance of the announcement made by the Prime Minister of India in April 2008, India has accorded Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme (DFTP) to Lao PDR. The Scheme grants Laos duty free access to 94% of India’s total tariff lines.

29. India-Laos Business Forum: Embassy in collaboration with the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and ASEAN India Business Council (AIBC) organised India-Laos Business Forum on 12 February 2024 in Vientiane.  Forum was launched by Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce. Forum saw participation of more than 170 business leaders representing more than 100 companies. An MoU was signed between Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) as also between ICC and AIBC to promote business linkages.

30. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from India: As per Lao  National Enterprise Database statistics, since 01.01.2008, there are total 77 projects registered by Indian entrepreneurs with a total investment of US $ 48 million. India is ranked as No. 13th amongst the countries who have invested in Laos. The investment figures by Indians probably include investments by companies who may have closed their operations in Laos and sold to local companies or other foreign investors. 

31. Mission has in recent months facilitated visit by some of India’s leading companies such as Afcons, Kirloskar, Adani, etc & their meetings with Lao Govt. & business to explore opportunities.

32. Some Indian nationals and PIOs have set up HSMM group in Laos which is registered in Vientiane. The group has invested US $ 13.8 million in agarwood plantations and has two factories in Vientiane and Xaysomboun Province.

33. Brookfields Coffee Co. Ltd, an Indian company has a coffee plantation over 84.46 hectares area in Paksong.  It has recently divested its stake in the project.

VI. CULTURAL AND PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACT:

34. Launch of special stamp set: A special commemorative postage stamp set by Lao PDR on the theme of “Celebrating shared cultural heritage of Lao PDR and India” was unveiled jointly by EAM and Lao DPM&FM in Vientiane on 27 July 2024. 

35. International Day of Yoga : As a part of celebrations of 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY), the Mission organized flagship event in Vientiane on 22 June 2024. Assoc. Prof. Phouth Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports, was the Chief Guest for this event. More than 800 participants attended the event. 10th IDY events were held in ten locations in four cities of Lao PDR.

36. 7th India International Ramayana Mela : 14 artists from prestigious and acclaimed Royal Ballet Theater, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR visited India from 15-31 Jan 2024 to participate in the 7th edition of 'India International Ramayana Mela’ from 18-21 January 2024 at Purana Qila, New Delhi, and performances in Lucknow and Ayodhya organised by ICCR.

37. Youth Exchange Programme: A nine-member youth delegation from various universities and academic institutions of Lao PDR and four representatives of Ministry of Education and Sports of Lao PDR visited India to attend the National Cadet Corps -Youth Exchange Programme from 15-29 January 2024 and Republic Day Functions.

VII. REGIONAL

38. ASEAN: Lao PDR is chair of ASEAN for 2024. Laos had also requested and received support from the friendly countries to strengthen its capacity to the host the ASEAN Summit. We have provided IT equipment of USD 14072/- to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lao PDR, and 15 Lao diplomats attended a special course at SSIFS from 27th March to 5th April, 2024.  The course was also focused on Protocol related training and activities.

39. Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC): MGC region is an important element of India’s Act East Policy as well as Indian PM’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The 12th MGC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Co-chaired by Laos and India was held in in Bangkok on 16th July 2023. Lao PDR extended support as a Country Coordinator. The Quick Impact Projects under MGC (26 so far)  are delivering grass-root development. Under MGC framework, more than 30 officials attended training in various fields in India during the past year.

VIII. CONSULAR:

40. Rescue and repatriation of Indians trapped in cyber-scam centres:  Recent months have seen an alarming increase in the number of Indian youth  duped by fake job offers into cyber-scam centres operating from Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) and illegal work e.g. in mines in Laos. So far 924 Indians have been safely rescued by the Embassy and repatriated to India. A group of 47 Indian youth was rescued after recent action by Lao authorities on criminal syndicates (mostly Chinese) operating such cyber scams centres from GTSEZ. Matter has been taken up with Lao side at highest levels, including by EAM with Lao PM during his visit to Vientiane in July 2024.  Matter raised by Secretary (East) with Lao Deputy FM during his visits in June and August 2024; as also by HoM with Lao DPM and Minister for Public Security; Lao Deputy Minister for Public Security and Chief of Lao Police Force, and with Bokeo province Governor and Police Authorities in GTSEZ during his visit there in June 2024. Recently, a group of 67 Indians were rescued by Embassy Officials, in coordination with Lao Authorities.

41. At our end, action has been taken by our authorities on agents on the basis of actionable information provided by the Mission, including arrests by NIA, and wide dissemination of detailed advisories by the Mission, Ministry and other authorities.

IX. INDIAN COMMUNITY:

42. About 500-strong Indian community is largely engaged in jewellery trade, the restaurant and hotel industry, manufacturing, garments, mining, plantations and agar wood. A few members work for international organizations, multinationals, consulting organizations and private businesses. It is said that the number was much higher during the sixties and early seventies. Many of them left after the Communists took over in 1975. Some of them returned after a lapse of some years. Lao-India Friendship Association and the Indian Society for Cultural Cooperation and Friendship signed an MoU In July 2022 to promote people-to people ties but this has not been activated. The ASEAN India Business Council (AIBC) based in Malaysia has a Chapter in Laos. With Mission’s active support and facilitation, Indian community has for the first time started to come together for celebrating Indian cultural festivals together since 2023.

For the first time, a Lao National of Indian origin, Mr Soukhtavy Chowdhury was awarded with Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Award by the Hon. President of India.

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As on 10 February 2025