Assam to Lead India’s Act East Policy, Says CM Sarma at Advantage Assam 2.0

CM stressed that Assam’s development is key to achieving the goal of Vikshit Assam and Vikshit Bharat by 2047.

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking at the high-level session titled “Act East, Act Fast, Act First” as part of Advantage Assam 2.0, declared his vision of transforming Assam into a state that contributes significantly to India’s growth rather than depending on assistance. He stressed that Assam’s development is key to achieving the goal of Vikshit Assam and Vikshit Bharat by 2047.

The event, being held in Guwahati, was attended by Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who reiterated the Government of India’s strong commitment to the Act East Policy. He highlighted India’s diplomatic engagements with ASEAN nations and Assam’s crucial role in strengthening infrastructure and economic linkages to drive deeper regional integration.

CM Sarma stated that Assam has historically served as both a geographical and cultural bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia. He underscored the state’s strategic role in India’s Act East Policy, focusing on enhancing regional connectivity, boosting trade, and strengthening cross-border collaboration. “We are celebrating Assam’s success and looking ahead to its bright future. Our goal is to transform Assam into a state that actively contributes to the nation’s progress.

The Prime Minister is deeply committed to the development of Assam and the Northeast. For the first time since Independence, the External Affairs Minister led a high-level delegation of 62 ambassadors and high commissioners to the state, marking a significant milestone in Assam’s global engagement,” Sarma said. He further announced that the Central government is actively working with ASEAN nations to streamline trade policies, including revising the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), to ensure smoother economic exchanges.

The session commenced with an introduction by Dr. Harsh V. Pant, Vice President – Studies and Foreign Policy at the Observer Research Foundation. He highlighted India-ASEAN partnerships in key sectors such as infrastructure, green energy, health, and pharmaceuticals. Dignitaries from various nations lauded Assam’s potential. Simon Wong, High Commissioner of Singapore to India, stated that the Singapore Prime Minister is keen on exploring new opportunities beyond traditional sectors, identifying Assam as a promising investment destination.

Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, emphasized Assam’s growing importance as the gateway to the eastern region, aligning with the EU’s “working east” strategy. Major General Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan, highlighted the proposed Gelephu Mindfulness City as a project that will enhance Assam’s regional significance. Keiichi Ono, Ambassador of Japan, spoke about Japan’s deep cultural ties with India and its role in developing infrastructure in Assam and the Northeast.

The session was attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Assam’s Minister for Act East Policy Affairs Chandra Mohan Patowary, Harsha Vardhan Agarwal (Co-Chair, ASEAN-India Business Council), and Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi (Director, Research and Information System for Developing Countries). With Assam emerging as a digitally empowered and seamlessly connected state, the Advantage Assam 2.0 session reaffirmed its growing role as a key player in India’s Act East vision, paving the way for stronger regional cooperation and economic growth.

Also Read: PM Modi Unveils Design for New Integrated Terminal at Guwahati Airport. What’s New at Upcoming Terminal?

COMMENTS

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Website

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Website