# India diplomatic mission to Southeast Asia and Palau

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-diplomatic-mission-to-southeast-asia-and-palau
> Updated: 2026-08-27T02:52:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita embarked on a diplomatic tour of Vietnam, Laos, and Palau to reinforce India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific engagement.

During the visit to Vietnam, Margherita met with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung to mark the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The leaders discussed reaching a US$25 billion two-way trade target, doubling bilateral investment, and exploring a bilateral free trade agreement. Cooperation in science, technology, infrastructure, and energy was also a primary focus.

In Laos, the mission commemorated 70 years of diplomatic relations. Discussions centered on transitioning from a development partnership to a comprehensive partnership, emphasizing the shared role of both nations within the Global South. The tour was scheduled to conclude with participation in the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: India strengthens diplomatic ties with Vietnam and Laos

Indian Minister Pabitra Margherita is visiting Vietnam and Laos to strengthen strategic partnerships, aiming to boost trade with Vietnam and celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties with Laos.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-strengthens-diplomatic-ties-with-vietnam-and-laos

### 2026-08-24: Pabitra Margherita to visit Vietnam, Laos, and Palau

Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will visit Vietnam, Laos, and Palau to bolster Indo-Pacific ties and participate in the Pacific Islands Forum.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pabitra-margherita-to-visit-vietnam-lao-pdr-and-palau

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Cite as: India diplomatic mission to Southeast Asia and Palau. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-diplomatic-mission-to-southeast-asia-and-palau