Union MoS Pabitra Margherita visits Vietnam and Laos from August 26-29, 2026

Key facts

• Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita visited Vietnam and Laos from August 26 to 29, 2026.
• The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral partnerships under India's Act East Policy and reaffirm India's commitment to ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
• In Vietnam, Margherita met Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Senior Lieutenant General Le Tan Toi to review bilateral ties and follow up on outcomes of General Secretary and President To Lam's state visit to India in May 2026.
• He delivered a keynote address at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and visited Garco 10 Corporation, a leading Vietnamese apparel manufacturer.
• In Laos, the visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Laos.
• He held discussions with Deputy Prime Ministers Thongsavanh Phomvihane and Khamlieng Outhakaysone, and Deputy Foreign Minister Anouparb Vongnorkeo.
• He delivered the keynote address at the 'India-Lao PDR at 70' Joint Seminar and launched a project for preserving the Phlak-Phlam dance.
• In Luang Prabang, he witnessed the exchange of an MoU for the conservation and restoration of murals at Wat Pa Khae Temple.