 India |  Laos |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic mission | |
| Embassy of India,Vientiane | Embassy of Laos,New Delhi |
| Envoy | |
| Indian Ambassador to LaosDinkar Asthana | Lao Ambassador to IndiaBounneme Chouanghom |
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India–Laos relations (Lao:ການພົວພັນອິນເດຍ-ລາວ), also referred to asIndian-Lao relations orIndo-Lao relations, arebilateral relations betweenIndia andLaos. Relations between two nations were established in February 1956. FirstPrime Minister of IndiaJawaharlal Nehru visited Laos in 1954 while firstPresident of IndiaRajendra Prasad visited Laos in 1956.[1][2] India considers Laos as strategically important in accordance with China's growing land-reclamation activities in theSouth China Sea.[3] Laos has been supportive to India's efforts to become a permanent member of theUN Security Council.[4]
Since establishment of bilateral ties there has been numerous high level bilateral visits between India and Laos. Recent visit was byVice-President of IndiaHamid Ansari in September 2015 where he signed 5 "quick impact projects".[3][5] Then Indian Prime MinisterManmohan Singh visited Laos in 2004 for 10thASEAN Summit where he met Laos PMBounhang Vorachit, agreements regarding 3rd India-ASEAN summit were signed between them.[6] Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpeyee visited Laos in 2002. Indian PresidentPratibha Patil visited Laos in 2010. High level visits from Laos to India were, PrinceSouphanouvong, who was the first President of Laos, visited India in 1975. In recent times Laos PMChoummaly Sayasone visited India in 2008. There are several other foreign minister and secretary level visits from each country to other.[1][4]
On 3 day India visit of Laos PresidentChoummaly 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 itsSurya Kiran air show at Laos.[7][8]
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.[9]
There has been several agreements signed between India and Laos in last decade regarding issues related to science & technology, trade and culture.
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.[1][10]
