Embassy of India

Vientiane, Laos

At a simple function organized at the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR on 4th August 2020, the Ambassador of India, Mr. Dinkar Asthana, formally handed over to the Honourable Minister of Health of Lao PDR, H.E. Associate Professor Dr. Bounkong Sihavong, a consignment of medicines and medical supplies that India has gifted to Lao PDR. These medicines and medical items will be used by the Lao health authorities to support the fight of Lao PDR against the COVID-19 pandemic. The consignment of medical aid from India to Lao PDR underlines the two countries’ strong bilateral ties, particularly their close religious, cultural and historical linkages.

2. Here, it would be contextual to recall the telephonic conversation between the Honourable Prime Minister of Lao PDR H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith and the Honourable Prime Minister of India H.E. Shri Narendra Modi on 12 June 2020. The two leaders had exchanged views on the health and economic challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Both leaders had agreed on the need for international cooperation, and for sharing of best-practices and experiences, in order to prepare for the post-COVID world. Prime Minister Modi had also commended the effective measures undertaken by the Government of Lao PDR to contain spread of the pandemic in Lao PDR. During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi had highlighted India’s historic and cultural links with Laos and expressed satisfaction at being involved in the restoration of the World Heritage Site at Vat Phou. The Lao Prime Minister had thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s support for Lao PDR’s development programmes, in capacity building and for scholarships. Prime Minister Modi had reiterated India’s commitment to continue its development partnership with Lao PDR, a valued partner in India’s extended neighbourhood.

3. Subsequently, seven (07) officers from Lao PDR’s Military Medical Department participated in the first ever e-ITEC course on COVID-19 conducted by the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) from 06 to 09 July 2020 for the militaries of CLMV countries. This first e-course under the defence segment of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was part of larger efforts of the Government of India to provide a platform for sharing best practices and experiences in the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Before, participants from Lao PDR had also attended two e-courses on different aspects of Covid-19, including India's best practices, under ITEC Programme's civilian segment.

4. India’s role as the ‘pharmacy of the world’ and a net provider of health security on a global scale have come into sharp focus during this pandemic. Its world-class pharmaceutical industry is the producer of choice for critical medications, with brand recognition across geographies and markets. The pandemic produced an explosion in demand for drugs such as Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Paracetamol produced in India. In a coordinated response involving several branches of government and multiple private sector pharmaceutical companies, India was able to supply large volumes of these drugs and medical items to partner countries across the world. India’s policies and actions are guided by its civilizational ethos and heritage – which places humanity at the centre of global prosperity and cooperation – and informed by the idea of responsible international citizenship.

5. Thanking the Government of India for its gift of medicines and medical items to support its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and to use in its public health system, the Honourable Minister of Public Health recalled the deep-rooted close, cordial and friendly bilateral relations between the two developing countries. In particular, he acknowledged the strengths of India's pharmaceutical sector, particularly in generic medicines, vaccines and traditional medicine, and expressed interest in taking forward bilateral cooperation in these fields, especially with the involvement of India's vibrant private sector. 

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