Arnab Sen asked: What are India's interests in Laos and Cambodia?

Rahul Mishra replies: India has been historically and culturally linked with Laos and Cambodia. For India, both the countries are important and their support is vital for India in the Southeast Asian region in general, and in the ASEAN led institutions, such as, the EAS, ARF and ADMM Plus, in particular. For instance, Laos had played a key role in India’s accession to the ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2003. Both Laos and Cambodia have abundant natural resources including minerals, energy resources, agricultural and forest products. India exports light and heavy industrial equipments, agricultural machinery and drugs & pharmaceuticals to these countries. Laotian and Cambodian exports to India consist mainly of primary goods. India has also been involved in providing English language training to students from these countries.

Besides that, India has helped Cambodia in the restoration of the Angkor Wat Temple. India has been looking for more tourism from Laos and Cambodia, hence, the increased emphases on Buddhist linkages. Both Laos and Cambodia are part of the CLMV group of countries. India’s focus on CLMV is important as India is connected with them through Myanmar and Thailand. The Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC), the initiative taken in November 2000, aims to bring India and the MGC member countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) closer on cultural, educational, tourism and transportation aspects. Laos and Cambodia are critically important for India in terms of rail and road connectivity with the Southeast Asian region. The recently held India-ASEAN car rally and the INS Sudarshini expeditions underscore that point.