Minister of State for External Affairs Margherita's ASEAN Visit: Strengthening 'Act East' Policy

Minister Margherita Visits Vietnam to Deepen Strategic Partnership

With the aim of further strengthening India's '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. In the initial stages of this significant diplomatic tour, India has comprehensively reviewed its trade, cultural, and strategic ties with these nations, which is expected to bring new momentum to bilateral relations.

Upon arriving in Vietnam as part of the first leg of his journey, Minister of State Margherita held a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung in Hanoi. The meeting placed particular emphasis on further deepening the 'Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' between the two countries in crucial areas such as defense, digital connectivity, and trade.

The Minister of State for External Affairs, sharing on the social media platform 'X', described his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung as an honor. He conveyed best wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Margherita recalled the successful state visit of General Secretary and President 'To Lam' to India and appreciated the elevation of bilateral relations to the level of a 'Better Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'. He expressed gratitude for the guidance received from the Prime Minister in transforming high-level commitments into concrete outcomes.

Boosting Cultural and Business Ties

The Minister of State for External Affairs addressed an international conference on 'India-Vietnam Better Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. During this event, he highlighted various dimensions of cooperation between the two countries.

Additionally, Margherita engaged in meaningful discussions with leading tour operators from Vietnam in Hanoi. This dialogue deliberated on the immense potential for mutually promoting tourism between India and Vietnam, which will also accelerate cultural exchange between the two nations. His meeting with the Indian community residing in Vietnam was also an important part of the visit. He lauded the contribution of the Indian community in strengthening the close and friendly relations between the two countries.

Margherita also visited the Phap Van Pagoda in Hanoi and interacted with the chief monk. This interaction further strengthened the shared Buddhist heritage connecting India and Vietnam.

New Direction for Diplomatic Relations with Laos

In the second phase of his tour, 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 held here to commemorate the historic occasion of '70 Years of India-Lao PDR Diplomatic Relations'. On this occasion, he alluded to the Buddhist heritage and ancient cultural ties between the two nations.

He reiterated his commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas such as agriculture, capacity building, digital infrastructure, and the preservation of shared heritage. Following Laos, the Minister of State for External Affairs will depart for Palau. There, he will engage in dialogue with leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). This visit will prove to be a significant step towards the expansion of India's 'Act East' policy and strengthening India's strategic presence in the region.