MoS Pabitra Margherita to Visit Vietnam, Laos, and Palau to Boost Act East Policy
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will embark on an official three-nation visit to Vietnam, Laos, and Palau from August 26 to September 2. According to statements released by the Ministry of External Affairs and reported by outlets including The Hans India, the trip aims to advance India’s Act East Policy, review bilateral cooperation, celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties with Laos, and participate in the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.
Strategic Engagement and Bilateral Review in Vietnam
The tour opens in Vietnam, where Margherita will spend August 26 and 27 meeting senior leadership of the Vietnamese government. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions will focus on reviewing progress in bilateral ties. This relationship was recently elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Party General Secretary and President To Lam to India. Beyond high-level meetings, Margherita will interact with key stakeholders and the local Indian community. Vietnam remains a cornerstone of India’s Indo-Pacific vision and a vital partner within the Mekong region.
Marking Seven Decades of Diplomatic Relations with Laos
Following his engagements in Vietnam, Margherita will travel to Laos on August 28 and 29. The Ministry of External Affairs notes that this leg of the journey marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Discussions will center on advancing historic ties and strengthening a robust development partnership.
Margherita is scheduled to review ongoing cooperation projects, including initiatives dedicated to preserving shared civilizational and cultural heritage. He will also meet with members of the Indian community residing in Laos. India and Mekong region nations share deep historical linkages that anchor New Delhi’s commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, as well as the broader ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Multilateral Diplomacy at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau
The final leg of the ministerial tour takes place in Palau from September 1 to September 2. Margherita will attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting with Dialogue Partners, held as part of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum and related sessions. In addition to multilateral participation, he will hold high-level bilateral talks with the leadership of Palau.
Founded in 1971, the PIF comprises 18 member states, including Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, alongside 21 Forum Dialogue Partners such as India, the United States, Japan, and the European Union. Margherita’s presence provides an opportunity to engage directly with delegations from PIF member states and dialogue partners alike. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasizes that the visit will further deepen India’s traditionally close partnership with Pacific Island countries.