EAM Jaishankar's visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of India’s Act East Policy
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who arrived in Vientiane, Lao PDR on Thursday (July 25, 2024) to participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings, has held a series of productive bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other countries, including China.
 
His visit is part of the broader framework of ASEAN-India, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) engagements and underscores the importance of India’s Act East Policy, which marks its tenth anniversary this year.
 
EAM Jaishankar's visit began with meetings with Foreign Ministers from various ASEAN and partner countries, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and discussing key issues such as the Indo-Pacific region and trade agreements.
 
Significant Discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

One of the more significant interactions EAM Jaishankar had was the one with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where he called for full respect for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and earlier agreements.
 
The state of the border will be reflected on the state of India-China ties, EAM Jaishankar asserted as he pointed out that immediate issues must be approached with a sense of purpose and urgency. During their talks, the two Ministers agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.
 
"Met with CPC Politburo member and FM Wang Yi in Vientiane today.  Continued our ongoing discussions about our bilateral relationship. The state of the border will necessarily be reflected on the state of our ties. 
 
Agreed on the need to give strong guidance to complete the disengagement process. Must ensure full respect for the LAC and past agreements. 
 
It is in our mutual interest to stabilize our ties. We should approach the immediate issues with a sense of purpose and urgency," EAM Jaishankar posted on X, formerly Twitter. 
 
Meeting with Philippines’ Enrique A Manalo
In the meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Philippines Foreign Minister Enrique A Manalo, the discussion revolved around enhancing collaboration between the two democracies and reinforcing their partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. 
 
Both leaders emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and maintaining ASEAN centrality. EAM Jaishankar expressed his delight in meeting Foreign Minister Manalo, highlighting the mutual interests and shared values that bind India and the Philippines.
 
“Delighted to meet my friend Enrique A Manalo of the Philippines. We discussed strengthening our collaboration and partnership in the Indo-Pacific, especially in upholding the rule of law and ASEAN centrality,” Jaishankar posted on X.
 
Engagement with Norway’s Espen Barth Eide
In a notable engagement, EAM Jaishankar met with Norway Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide for a multifaceted discussion, covering bilateral relations, clean energy initiatives, and the European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA). Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the India-Nordic partnership, particularly in areas like clean energy and trade. EAM Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the EFTA, noting its potential benefits for both nations.
 
“Good to meet Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide of Norway today. The India-Nordic partnership in clean energy and trade continues to deliver. Committed to implementing the European Free Trade Agreement to the better advantage of both countries. Also spoke about the geopolitical situation,” Jaishankar remarked after the meeting.
 
Dialogue with Timor Leste’s Bendito Freitas
EAM Jaishankar also engaged in a productive dialogue with Timor Leste Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas. The meeting focused on the continued diversification and deepening of the Delhi-Dili friendship. The leaders exchanged views on their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting a mutual commitment to regional stability and cooperation.
 
“Pleasure to meet FM Bendito Freitas of Timor Leste on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings. Our Delhi to Dili friendship continues to diversify and deepen. Also exchanged views on our shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region,” Jaishankar shared on X.
 
Discussions with Cambodia’s Sok Chenda Sophea
In another significant bilateral meeting, EAM Jaishankar met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Cambodia Sok Chenda Sophea. The discussions highlighted progress in bilateral ties, including areas such as air connectivity, defence, and heritage conservation. Jaishankar expressed optimism about further building on these ties and enhancing cooperation in various sectors.
 
“Glad to meet DPM & FM Sok Chenda Sophea of Cambodia. Noted the progress in our bilateral ties, including air connectivity, defence, and heritage conservation. Looking forward to further building on it,” EAM Jaishankar mentioned in his X post.
 
On Friday (July 26, 2024), EAM Jaishankar had a meeting with New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, where they discussed education, agriculture technology, the Pacific Islands and cricket.
 
ASEAN Framework and Act East Policy
EAM Jaishankar's visit to Laos is of particular significance as it coincides with the tenth anniversary of India’s Act East Policy. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 9th East Asia Summit in 2014, the policy has been pivotal in enhancing India’s engagement with ASEAN countries. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted this milestone in a statement released ahead of the visit, underscoring India's strong commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
 
“Arrived in Vientiane, Laos to take part in the ASEAN-mechanism meetings. Look forward to further deepening India’s ties with ASEAN as we mark a decade of Act East Policy,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X upon his arrival.
 
The visit reflects India’s deep engagement with the ASEAN-cantered regional architecture and the importance it places on these relationships. This year’s meetings gather foreign ministers from Southeast Asian nations and top diplomats from key partner countries, including the United States and China.
 
EAM Jaishankar’s series of bilateral meetings and participation in the ASEAN framework underscores India’s strategic priorities and commitment to fostering strong regional partnerships. As India marks a decade of its Act East Policy, the discussions held during these meetings are expected to further enhance India's diplomatic and economic ties within the ASEAN region, reinforcing its role as a significant player in the Indo-Pacific.