) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday called on the Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone during which he discussed the bilateral development partnership and also took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals in cyber scam centers.
In posts on X, the EAM, who is in Laos for ASEAN mechanism meetings, said he also discussed the issue of Indian citizens being trafficked with the Cambodian and Thailand Foreign Ministers.
“Pleased to call on Lao PDR 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.
“Value his guidance on further strengthening our close ties that are deeply rooted in shared civilizational connect.”
“During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers.
“Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens.
“Also discussed the matter with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.”
The EAM also said that “India fully supports Lao PDR’s Chairship of the ASEAN & East Asia summit.”
On July 21, 13 Indians who had been lured into cyber-scamming centers in Laos were rescued and sent back home.
Indian nationals are trafficked into cyber scam centers in Laos with false promises of employment opportunities.
The Indian Embassy in Laos has rescued a total of 518 Indians so far.
Traffickers often operate through Thailand, luring victims with fake job offers.
The Indian Embassy has issued advisories cautioning Indians against fake job offers and warning of the risks of trafficking.
UNI RN
