External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to the ‘Act East, Act Fast, and Act First’ policy, emphasizing Assam’s potential as a hub for the ‘Act East Policy.’
Speaking at the Advantage Assam Summit 2.0 in Guwahati on Tuesday, alongside Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Jaishankar highlighted the shift in Delhi’s approach towards Assam and the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership since 2014.
“Happy to address Advantage Assam Summit 2.0 in Guwahati alongside CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, ambassadors, and delegates. Spoke about the Modi Government’s commitment to ‘Act East, Act Fast, and Act First,'” Jaishankar said in a post on X.
He noted that the Purvodaya Scheme is driving infrastructure, employment, and skill development in the region. He also credited the Neighbourhood First policy for improving connectivity and infrastructure across India’s eastern borders.
Jaishankar underscored the importance of ASEAN-India relations, stating that the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) review, mobility arrangements, and emerging tech collaborations present significant opportunities.
Highlighting key regional projects, he described the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMTT) as a potential game changer and emphasized India’s growing focus on BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
“Enhancing collaboration with Japan and South Korea is crucial, and our partnership with Australia also deserves special mention. Assam can serve as a hub for the Act East policy, and Brand Assam continues to grow stronger,” he added.
During the summit, ambassadors from various countries praised Assam’s hospitality and investment opportunities.
Sofia Salas Monge, Charge d’Affaires of Costa Rica in India, described her visit as a fantastic experience, appreciating the state’s culture, warm reception, and wildlife at Kaziranga National Park.
Somalia’s Ambassador to India, Abdullahi Mohamed Odawaa, recognized Assam’s economic potential, noting the interest of investors in the region.
Maldives’ High Commissioner to India, Aishath Azeema, expressed admiration for India’s rapid development, reflecting on the transformation she has witnessed since her previous stint in the country from 2009 to 2014.
(ANI)
