The Indian Migrant Community in Laos: A Socio-Cultural Understanding
摘要
This chapter explores the socio-cultural dynamics of the Indian migrant community in Laos, shedding light on the intricate interplay of cultural identities, social integration, and economic contributions. It is sectioned into three parts, the first of which explains the parallels that exist between the two nations and Southeast Asia as a whole. Following this, the study delves into the historical aspects of migration to Laos and the general Southeast Asian regions. The concluding segment of the study examines the political, bilateral, and commercial interactions between the two nations within the historical and contemporary context. However, there is a scarcity of literature and data on the migration relationship between these two countries, leading recent studies to concentrate on Southeast Asia as a whole. The influence of India on Laos is typically characterized by a peaceful and non-political nature, and the process of Indianization has been notably enhanced through migration from the Indian subcontinent. Laos has experienced Indianization through migration dating back to the onset of the Christian era, fostering a positive and enduring international relationship with India, surpassing that of any other Southeast Asian nation. However, the present status of the Indian population in Laos yields divergent findings. Recent data on the Indian expatriate community, as per the MEA Report 2022, indicate that Laos possesses a relatively smaller overseas Indian population compared to other countries. In this study, we endeavour to portray the dynamics of interaction between India and the Indian migrant communities in Laos.