Vientiane, Laos: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Laos on Thursday, 10th October 2024, to participate in the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Navratri. During his visit, he took the opportunity to immerse himself in local culture by enjoying a performance of the Ramayana.
Laos, a predominantly Buddhist nation, does not have official data regarding its Hindu population. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that the staging of the Ram Leela in Laos underscores the deep-rooted connection between the two countries’ ancient civilisations and centuries-old heritage.
At the Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang, PM Modi witnessed a performance of “Farak-Falam,” an episode from the Ramayana, also known locally as “Phra Lak Phra Ram.” Following the performance, the Prime Minister interacted with the artists, taking photographs with them to commemorate the occasion. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other officials during the event.
A press release from the Ministry of External Affairs stated that many aspects of Indian civilisation and tradition have been upheld and preserved in Laos for centuries. Both nations are committed to fostering their shared heritage, reinforcing cultural ties.
Prior to the Ramayana performance, PM Modi participated in a programme with Buddhist monks at the Sri Saket Temple in Vientiane, further highlighting the cultural exchanges occurring during his visit.
Laos, located in Southeast Asia, has a majority Buddhist population. According to the official website of the US Department of State, Laos has an estimated population of 7.9 million as of 2023. A 2015 report indicated that 64.7% of the population identified as Buddhist, 1.7% as Christian, and 31.4% as having no stated religion, while 2.2% adhered to other faiths.
During this trip, PM Modi is set to attend the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. As the current chair of ASEAN, Laos plays a pivotal role in these discussions. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 and includes member countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Brunei Darussalam. The East Asia Summit will see participation from the 10 ASEAN member states and eight partner countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States, with Timor-Leste granted observer status.
As PM Modi engages with international leaders, his participation in cultural events like the Ramayana performance reinforces the importance of heritage and community in diplomatic relations.
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