New Delhi: Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavan Phomvihane on Tuesday called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across trade, technology and development sectors.
Welcoming Phomvihane on his first visit to India, President Murmu highlighted the long-standing civilisational links between the two countries, rooted in Buddhism and the Ramayana tradition. She noted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Laos.
The President recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Laos in October 2024 for the ASEAN-related summits, during which several agreements were signed to enhance cooperation between the two nations.
While noting the steady growth in bilateral trade, Murmu said there remains significant potential to expand economic engagement and investment opportunities.
She expressed India’s willingness to deepen cooperation in areas such as information and communication technology, healthcare, agriculture, irrigation, manufacturing, renewable energy and electricity. India is also keen to share its expertise in innovation and the knowledge-based economy, she said.
The President further observed that India’s development partnership with Laos has strengthened in recent years and remains aligned with the aspirations of Lao youth and the country’s socio-economic priorities.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed that closer cooperation would bring substantial benefits to the people of both countries and contribute to further strengthening bilateral relations.
