"Assam can act as hub for our Act East policy": EAM Jaishankar

The Foreign Minister addressed the Advantage Assam Summit 2.0 Summit in Guwahati alongside Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday.

Listing down the major points of his address, he wrote on X, saying, "Pleased to address Advantage Assam Summit 2.0 in Guwahati alongside CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Ambassadors and delegates. Spoke about Modi Government's commitment to 'Act East, Act Fast and Act First'."

Jaishankar pointed to the change in Delhi's attitude towards Assam and Northeastern States since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

"It is supported by the Purvodaya Scheme to bring new energy and resources to infrastructure, employment, skilling and development. Neighbourhood First policy has transformed infrastructure and connectivity across our eastern borders. Wholehearted commitment to bilateral and regional cooperation can take it further," the post read.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1894430300999909726

Jaishankar said that the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), a trade agreement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India, can offer great possibilities for ASEAN.

"ASEAN is a partner of enormous consequence. AITIGA review, mobility arrangements and new tech domains offer great possibilities," he said.

Jaishankar also lauded the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMTT).

"IMTT highway can be a real game changer. Every effort should be made to advance it," he said.

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is also getting attention, Jaishankar said.

"BIMSTEC is receiving heightened attention. We intend to commit more energies and resources," he said.

"Giving our collaboration with Japan and South Korea a more contemporary character is important. The partnership with Australia also merits a particular mention. Assam can act as a hub for our Act East policy. Brand Assam grows stronger by the day," the post read.

Meanwhile, ambassadors from several countries during their visit at the Advantage Assam 2.0, appreciated the warm reception while also lauding the immense opportunities presented by the state of Assam.

Sofia Salas Monge, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Costa Rica in India, told ANI, "It's been a fantastic experience to be here in Assam. I think for me, the most special thing has been the warmth of the people of Assam. It was fantastic to see the dancers yesterday and to visit Kaziranga, the most beautiful wildlife... I wish Assam lots of success following this summit."

Ambassador of the Federal Government of Somalia to India, Abdullahi Mohamed Odawaa, said that she saw several opportunities for the state.

"We have seen the opportunities ahead of this state and its potential. We also found we were listening to various investors who are willing to invest in this state. So we were delighted to be part of this historical moment for this state," he told ANI.

Aishath Azeema, High Commissioner of the Maldives to India, said she admired the development that has taken place in India over the past decades.

"I thank the Government of India for giving us this opportunity. It has been a very enriching experience for me personally. This morning we had this inaugural session where we came to know about the development that has taken place in Assam. I was here in India in a different capacity from 2009 till 2014, and I have seen the huge development that has taken place in India over the past years," she further said. (ANI)