India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · LAOS
India & Laos
ASEAN MEMBERACT EAST POLICYMEKONG-GANGA COOPERATIONITEC PARTNER
India and Laos share one of the older bilateral relationships in Southeast Asia, with diplomatic ties dating to 1956. The relationship is grounded in shared Buddhist heritage, the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework, and India's Act East Policy, which positions Laos as an important partner in continental Southeast Asia. ITEC programmes and development assistance have deepened institutional ties, while trade remains limited, constrained by landlocked geography and connectivity gaps.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Laos actually work together
5 active areas of cooperation, as of July 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
Approximate figures, FY 2023–24. Source: DGFT, Ministry of Commerce. Trade routed via Thailand and Vietnam may be under-counted in direct bilateral statistics.
$122mn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$95mn
India exports to country
$27mn
India imports from country
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$0.122bnin FY24 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1956, in 6 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, 2026
Relations are cordial and institutionally grounded through MGC and the India-ASEAN framework, but the bilateral relationship remains modest in scope. Trade is limited by geography and connectivity gaps. ITEC and educational cooperation are the most active people-to-people channels. The Act East Policy gives Laos continued strategic salience for India, and connectivity improvements — particularly the eventual extension of the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway — could substantially transform bilateral economic engagement.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalVientiane
Population7.5 million
RegionSoutheast Asia
Diplomatic tiesSince 1956
ON THIS PAGE
Spot something wrong?
Every page has a suggest-a-correction link. Send a note, ideally with a source.
