The Laos PM and Jaishankar discuss bilateral cooperation and Indian national trafficking.

VIENTIANE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday called on Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and raised the issue of trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centres in the Southeast Asian country and discussed development partnership and cooperation in areas like defence and energy.

Jaishankar is in the capital of the Laos People’s Democratic Republic to participate in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He called on Siphandone, along with fellow foreign ministers attending the meeting.

“Pleased to call on Lao PDR (People’s Democratic Republic) Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister @narendramodi. Discussed our development partnership and cooperation in defence, heritage conservation, energy, digital and capacity building,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Jaishankar said he values Siphandone’s guidance on further strengthening close bilateral ties that are deeply rooted in shared civilisational connect.

“During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centres. Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens,” he said.