India–Laos relations (; ), also referred to as Indian-Lao relations or Indo-Lao relations, are

bilateral relations Bilateralism is the conduct of political, economic, or cultural relations between two sovereign states. It is in contrast to unilateralism or multilateralism, which is activity by a single state or jointly by multiple states, respectively. When ...

between India and

Laos Laos (, ''Lāo'' )), officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic ( Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ, French: République démocratique populaire lao), is a socialist ...

. Relations between two nations were established in February 1956. First

Prime Minister of India The prime minister of India (IAST: ) is the head of government of the Republic of India. Executive authority is vested in the prime minister and their chosen Council of Ministers, despite the president of India being the nominal head of the ...

Jawaharlal Nehru visited Laos in 1954 while first President of India Rajendra Prasad visited Laos in 1956. India considers Laos as strategically important in accordance with China's growing land-reclamation activities in the South China Sea. Laos has been supportive to India's efforts to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Bilateral visits

Since establishment of bilateral ties there has been numerous high level bilateral visits between India and Laos. Recent visit was by Vice-President of India Hamid Ansari in September 2015 where he signed 5 "quick impact projects". Then Indian Prime Minister

Manmohan Singh Manmohan Singh (; born 26 September 1932) is an Indian politician, economist and statesman who served as the 13th prime minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He is also the third longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indir ...

visited Laos in 2004 for 10th ASEAN Summit where he met Laos PM Bounhang Vorachit, agreements regarding 3rd India-ASEAN summit were signed between them. Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpeyee visited Laos in 2002. Indian President Pratibha Patil visited Laos in 2010. High level visits from Laos to India were, Prince Souphanouvong, who was the first President of Laos, visited India in 1975. In recent times Laos PM Choummaly Sayasone visited India in 2008. There are several other foreign minister and secretary level visits from each country to other.

Strategic ties

On 3 day India visit of Laos President Choummaly Sayasone in 2008, India decided to establish an "Air Force Academy" in Laos. India also gifted 50 parachutes to "Lao Defence Forces" on its 60th anniversary in 2009. India held its

Surya Kiran Surya Kiran () is an aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force. The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) was formed in 1996 and are a part of the 52nd Squadron of the IAF. The team has since performed numerous demonstrations usually w ...

air show at Laos.

Economic ties

In 2013 at 7th "India-Lao Joint Commission Meeting" (JMC) India agrees to provide $66.15 million to Laos for irrigation and hydro power projects. This includes 4 irrigation projects in 3 provinces of Laos in addition to extension of Nam Boun-2 hydro power plant.

Agreements

There has been several agreements signed between India and Laos in last decade regarding issues related to science & technology, trade and culture. * India will spend $4.11 million over 8 years for restoration of world heritage site of Laos at

Vat Phou Vat Phou (or Wat Phu; lo, ວັດພູ ''temple-mountain'') is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex in southern Laos. It is at the base of mount Phou Khao, some from the Mekong in Champasak Province. There was a temple on the site as early ...

as per MoU signed on 2007. Project has been started on 2009. * In 2010 visit of Indian President Pratibha Patil, a "Cultural Exchange Programme" for the year 2011–13 was signed between 2 nations. * As per Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Agreement, since 1994, "Indian Army Training Team" conducts training sessions for Lao defence forces in some basic tactics along with English language and computers.

Bilateral trade

Metals, ores, machinery, electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals and timber are the main products traded between two nations. In 2008–09 bilateral trade between two nations was just $9.52 million which saw rapid growth in 2009–10 with trade of $37 million. However trade was again decreased in 2010–11 with $13.33 million. Since then trade was rapidly increased again to $167.49 million in 2012–13.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:India-Laos relations

Bilateral relations of Laos