Sachin Malik Vientiane: To further Strengthen India ‘Act East’ Policy in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita is on an eight-day official visit to Vietnam, Lao PDR (Laos) and Palau from August 26 to September 2, 2026. During the initial Stages of this important three-nation diplomatic tour, India has undertaken a comprehensive review of its trade, cultural and Strategic relations with these Countries.
During the first leg of his visit, the Minister of State for External Affairs arrived in Vietnam and held a high-level meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung in Hanoi. The meeting focused Particularly on further deepening the ‘Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ between the two countries in the areas of defence, digital connectivity and Trade.
Margherita wrote on social media Platform ‘X’ that he felt honoured to meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung. He conveyed the warm Greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him. He recalled the successful State visit to India by General Secretary and President To Lam and the decision to elevate bilateral ties to the level of an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” He also thanked the Prime Minister for his Guidance on how to translate high-level commitments into concrete Outcomes.
He delivered the keynote address at an international conference on the ‘India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ organised at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. The Minister of State also held Productive discussions in Hanoi with leading Vietnamese tour operators on the immense Potential for Promoting two-way tourism between India and Vietnam. He met members of the Indian community living in Vietnam and appreciated their contribution to Strengthening the Close and friendly relations between the two Countries.
Margherita also visited the Phap Van Pagoda and interacted with the Chief Abbot, further Strengthening the Shared Buddhist heritage that connects India and Vietnam.
During the second leg of his visit, the Minister of State for External Affairs arrived in Laos, Giving a new dimension to the historic relations between the two countries. Margherita addressed a Joint Seminar organised to mark the historic occasion of 70 Years of diplomatic relations between India and Lao PDR. During the event, he highlighted the Shared Buddhist heritage and ancient cultural ties and reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, capacity building, digital infrastructure and the Preservation of Shared Heritage.
Following this, Margherita will depart for Palau, Where he will engage with leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Countries.
