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India and Laos Sign Key Agreements to Boost Defence and Cultural Ties
India and Laos have signed multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements to enhance bilateral relations, covering a range of sectors such as defence, broadcasting, customs, and cultural preservation. The agreements were formalized in a series of meetings between Indian and Laotian officials, highlighting a shared commitment to deepening strategic and cultural ties.
Defence Cooperation Between India and Laos
One of the key agreements signed was the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of India and the Ministry of National Defence of Laos. The MoU was signed by India’s Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and General Chansamone Chanyalath, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Lao PDR. This MoU aims to enhance defence collaboration, training, and mutual support between the two nations, reinforcing India’s role as a strategic partner in the region.
Broadcasting and Cultural Initiatives
In the realm of broadcasting, an MoU was signed between Lao National Television, Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism of Lao PDR, and Prasar Bharati of India. The agreement, signed by Shri Prashant Agrawal, Ambassador of India to Lao PDR, and Dr. Amkha Vongmeunka, General Director of Lao National TV, aims to promote cultural exchange and collaborative broadcasting initiatives between the two countries.
Additionally, several cultural preservation projects were announced under the Quick Impact Project (QIP) initiative, aimed at preserving Laos’ rich cultural heritage. These include the preservation of the Phalak-Phalam (Lao Ramayana) drama in Luang Prabang Province, the renovation of Wat Phakea Temple, and the preservation of the traditional Shadow Puppet Theatre’s performance in Champasak Province.
Customs and Economic Collaboration
An agreement was also signed between the governments of India and Laos on Co-operation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters. Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, represented India, while Mr. Phoukhaokham Vannavongxay, Director General of Customs at the Ministry of Finance, represented Laos. This agreement is expected to streamline customs procedures, enhance cooperation, and facilitate trade between the two countries.
India’s Support for Nutrition Security in Laos
India announced a significant project to improve nutrition security in Laos through food fortification, supported by approximately USD 1 million in funding from the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. This initiative is part of India’s broader commitment to supporting socio-economic development in Laos, especially in the areas of health and nutrition.
The newly signed agreements reflect a growing partnership between India and Laos, emphasizing a mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors, including defence, culture, and economic development.
