Recently, a telephonic conversation between the Prime Minister of India and the Prime Minister of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) sparked interest. During their interaction, they discussed various issues including the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Key Discussion Points
The leaders conversed over health and economic challenges brought by the pandemic, emphasising on the necessity for international cooperation. They also stressed the importance of sharing best-practices and experiences to rebuild a post-Covid-19 world.
India’s Strong Relations with Laos
India’s Prime Minister underscored India’s historic and cultural links with Laos and expressed satisfaction at being involved in the restoration of the Vat Phou Hindu temple complex, a world heritage site. He also reiterated India’s intent to continue its development partnership with Lao PDR, a valued partner in India’s extended neighbourhood.
Lao Prime Minister’s Acknowledgement
The Lao Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for India’s support for Lao’s development programmes, capacity building, and scholarships.
Established Relations Between the Countries
India and Laos have long standing, friendly and mutually supportive relations resting on historical and civilizational foundations. The political relations between both the countries were established in February 1956. Laos has been supportive of India on major issues of regional and international concern, including India’s claim for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Defence Cooperation
Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Agreement since 1994, a two-member Indian Army Training Team has conducted training for Lao defence personnel. The Indian team is one among only three foreign training teams including the Vietnamese and the Chinese. Three training capsules on Unexploded Ordnance (Bomb) (UXOs) and De-mining were conducted by Indian Army in Laos.
Economic Cooperation
The economic relationship between India and Laos saw bilateral trade reaching 193.63 US million dollars in 2017-18. India has contributed to Laos’ development by extending Lines of Credit for infrastructure projects such as transmission lines, hydropower projects, and irrigation projects.
Cultural Relations
India and Laos share a rich cultural history symbolised best by structures like the That Luang Stupa, which encapsulates the relic of Buddha, and the Vat Phou Temple Complex, an ancient Shiva temple currently being renovated by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Human Resource Development
India provides around 140 scholarships annually to Lao nationals under various schemes. Furthermore, the Lao-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre (LIEDC) and the Centre of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT) have been instrumental in nurturing talent in Laos.
Note: A Line of Credit is a ‘soft loan’ provided on concessional interest rates to developing countries, repayable by the borrowing governments. The projects under Lines of Credit encompass different sectors from agriculture and infrastructure to telecom, railway, power, and renewable energy.