External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on July 27 and discussed various issues, including the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers in Laos. They also talked about development partnerships and cooperation in areas such as defense and energy.
Mr. Jaishankar was in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, to attend meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and called on Mr. Siphandone along with other foreign ministers attending the gathering.
In a tweet, Mr. Jaishankar mentioned that he discussed enhancing partnerships and cooperation in various sectors with Mr. Siphandone.
Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for Mr. Siphandone’s guidance on strengthening bilateral ties rooted in shared civilization.
“During my meeting with the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, I raised the issue of trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers. I am grateful for the cooperation of the Lao PDR government in rescuing and assisting our citizens,” he stated.
They also discussed the issue with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.
The Indian Embassy in Laos recently announced the successful rescue and repatriation of 13 Indians who were victims of cyber scams in Laos, bringing the total number of rescued Indians to 518. The Embassy issued a warning against fraudulent job offers.
During the discussions, Mr. Jaishankar pledged India’s full support for Laos’ Chairmanship of the ASEAN & East Asia summit.
