Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Laos
Strengthening India-Laos Ties Through Buddhism and ASEAN Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Laos for two days, starting tomorrow, to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. This visit highlights the enduring bond between India and Laos, rooted in Buddhism for over two thousand years.
Historical Ties Through Buddhism
Local legends trace the Buddhist connection back to the third century BC, when Emperor Asoka’s emissary, Praya Chanthaburi Pasithisak, along with five monks, brought Lord Buddha’s relics to Laos. These relics were enshrined in the stupa known as Pha That Luang, now a national monument in Laos. The Ourangkharittan chronicle, a significant historical document, supports this legend, indicating the relics came from Rajgir in India.
Lao monuments like Pha That Luang and Wat Phra Keo exhibit a blend of local and Indian styles. Lao religious art, particularly sculpture, shows Indian influences, including depictions of Buddha and Hindu deities. This syncretic nature underscores the deep impact of Indian culture on Lao traditions.
Theravada Buddhism in Laos
Theravada Buddhism is the predominant form practiced in Laos, similar to Thailand. In Laos, individuals can choose to enter or leave monk-hood at any time without formal restrictions. The Lao Central Buddhist Fellowship Organization (CBFO) governs the Buddhist monastic community in Laos.
ASEAN and East Asia Summits
Laos is currently the Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). PM Modi’s visit to Vientiane is at the invitation of Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. This year marks a decade of India’s Act East Policy, with ASEAN relations being a central pillar. The ASEAN-India Summit will review the progress of India-ASEAN relations and chart future cooperation. The East Asia Summit provides a platform for leaders to discuss regional issues.
PM Modi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings during the Summits.
Doubts Revealed
Laos -: Laos is a small country in Southeast Asia, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It shares borders with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
Buddhism -: Buddhism is a religion that started in India over 2,500 years ago. It teaches people to live a life of peace, kindness, and wisdom.
ASEAN -: ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is a group of countries in Southeast Asia that work together to improve their economies and solve regional problems.
Summit -: A summit is a meeting where leaders from different countries come together to discuss important issues and make decisions.
Emperor Asoka -: Emperor Asoka was a famous Indian king who ruled a long time ago. He is known for spreading Buddhism across Asia and promoting peace and kindness.
Act East Policy -: India’s Act East Policy is a strategy to improve relations with countries in Southeast Asia. It focuses on building strong economic and cultural ties with these nations.
Bilateral meetings -: Bilateral meetings are discussions between two countries. Leaders talk about their relationship and how they can work together on different issues.