Advantage Assam 2.0: Jaishankar reiterates Union Government's commitment to 'Act East' Policy
The session commenced with a warm welcome extended by the Governor of Assam, who set a positive tone for the proceedings. The Governor emphasized the significance of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, a platform designed to showcase Assam’s potential and attract investment. He acknowledged the presence of esteemed guests, including the Chief Guest, Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India, who was recognized for his pivotal role in enhancing India’s diplomatic ties and promoting regional development.
Dr. Harivansh, the Vice President of the Observer Research Foundation, took the stage to contextualize the session. He highlighted Assam’s remarkable transformation over recent years, positioning it as a vital player in India’s broader economic landscape. Dr. Harivansh pointed out the evolution from the Look East Policy, which primarily focused on strengthening ties with Southeast Asia, to the more proactive ACT East policy, which seeks to integrate Assam and the Northeast more fully into India’s economic framework. This shift reflects a renewed commitment to regional growth and international collaboration, setting the stage for deeper partnerships.
Assam’s Central Role
The discussion then transitioned to Assam’s strategic role in shaping India’s regional and global aspirations. Assam is increasingly recognized as a critical hub for connecting India with its East and Southeast Asian partners due to its geographical location and cultural ties. The emphasis was placed on the importance of building robust partnerships that could facilitate trade, investment, and cultural exchanges, thereby enhancing economic dynamics in the region. The potential for strengthened ties with neighboring countries was underscored, highlighting Assam’s capacity to serve as a gateway for broader economic engagement.
Chief Minister’s Remarks
In his remarks, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma articulated Assam’s aspirations to emerge as a key contributor to India’s growth narrative. He reflected on the state’s historical dependence on central support and noted the transformative changes initiated since 2014, particularly under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering an environment conducive to investment, innovation, and development. He extended a warm invitation to international partners and investors to explore opportunities in Assam, reiterating the state’s readiness to engage in mutually beneficial collaborations.
As the session progressed, Dr. Harivansh introduced a distinguished panel of experts and representatives from various countries and sectors. The panel was tasked with discussing opportunities for India’s partnerships with a particular focus on Assam and the Northeast. This segment aimed to explore how international collaborations could leverage Assam’s strengths, foster economic growth, and promote cultural exchanges. The diversity of perspectives from the panelists promised a rich dialogue on the possibilities that lie ahead for Assam and its role in India’s ACT East policy.
In summary, this introductory segment of the session laid a solid foundation for understanding the transformative journey of Assam, emphasizing its strategic importance in the context of India’s aspirations and the broader geopolitical landscape. The engaging discussions highlighted both the challenges and opportunities that await Assam as it aims to position itself as a key player in regional and global affairs.
Singapore’s Engagement
High Commissioner Simon Wong highlighted Singapore’s strategic interest in Assam, viewing it as a critical area for investment and development. He underscored the importance of logistics and infrastructure as pivotal for facilitating trade and commerce. Wong mentioned ongoing projects in Assam, particularly the development of multimodal logistics parks, which will enhance connectivity with other regions, including the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia. The emphasis was on Singapore’s readiness to partner with Assam in diversifying its economic base, particularly in sectors like technology and sustainable urban development, thereby fostering mutual growth.
European Union’s Interest
Herve Delphin, Ambassador of European Union to India articulated the European Union’s keen interest in strengthening trade relations with Assam. He emphasized that the EU is one of India’s largest trading partners and has been progressively engaging with Northeast India through various initiatives. The Ambassador discussed ongoing collaborations in infrastructure development, smart city projects, and environmental sustainability efforts. He stressed the potential for Assam to leverage the EU’s investment in high-value sectors, which could further integrate the region into global supply chains. This relationship is expected to evolve as the EU continues to focus on sustainable investment practices and enhancing connectivity in the region.
Bhutan’s Connectivity
Major General Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan spoke about the deep historical and cultural ties between Bhutan and Assam, reinforcing the importance of India’s ACT East policy in fostering regional connectivity. He noted that Bhutan views Assam as a vital partner in enhancing trade and economic cooperation, particularly through land and water routes. The Ambassador highlighted the significance of initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, which would facilitate greater access for Bhutan to Southeast Asian markets via Assam. He expressed optimism about the future collaboration, particularly in areas like tourism and infrastructure, which would benefit both Bhutan and Assam, enhancing their socio-economic ties.
Japan’s Contribution
Ambassador Keiichi Kono detailed Japan’s extensive investment in Assam, focusing on infrastructure development and promoting people-to-people connectivity. He emphasized Japan’s commitment to enhancing hard and soft infrastructure, which includes not only physical transport links but also cultural and educational exchanges. Kono highlighted Japan’s interest in sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and technology, where Japanese companies are looking to collaborate with local enterprises. He also spoke about the cultural affinities between Japan and Assam, particularly through shared historical narratives and values, which can act as a foundation for deeper partnerships. The emphasis was on creating a comprehensive framework for collaboration that goes beyond mere economic engagement, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose between the two regions.
International perspective presented during the session underscores the multifaceted potential for collaboration between Assam and these nations, focusing on investment, trade, cultural ties, and infrastructure development, all of which are essential for realizing the goals of the ACT East policy.
Industry and Academia Perspectives
Mr. Harsharan Agarwal, co-chair of the Assam India Business Council, delivered insights into key sectors ripe for investment in Assam. He emphasized the digital economy, highlighting its potential to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in technology and online services. Agarwal pointed to the manufacturing sector as a crucial area for growth, particularly in electronics and textiles, where Assam could become a hub for production and supply chains. He also identified healthcare as an essential sector, noting Assam’s capacity to lead in pharmaceuticals and medical tourism due to its strategic location and resources. By fostering collaborations within these sectors, Agarwal underscored the potential for Assam to not only enhance its local economy but also contribute significantly to the national growth story.
Professor Sachin Chatur expanded on the trade relationships and export potential of Assam. He presented compelling growth statistics, illustrating Assam’s steady rise in exports to over 138 countries, with significant contributions from sectors such as tea, textiles, and handicrafts. Chatur highlighted the need for robust trade partnerships, particularly with neighboring countries, to capitalize on Assam’s geographic advantages. He pointed to opportunities for collaboration in value chains and market access, advocating for strategic initiatives to enhance Assam’s competitive edge in global markets. His insights framed Assam as a critical player in India’s broader economic landscape, capable of leveraging its strengths to foster international trade relations.
Keynote Address by Dr. S. Jaishankar
Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, delivered a keynote address that underscored the interconnectedness of local development with broader geopolitical interests. He emphasized that India’s ACT East policy is not merely an external engagement strategy but a comprehensive approach that begins at home, focusing on the development of Northeast states like Assam. Dr. Jaishankar acknowledged the historical context of India’s eastern engagement, noting the need for a renewed focus on the region as a key player in global commerce and diplomacy. He called for enhanced cooperation among regional partners, advocating for collective efforts to leverage economic opportunities that benefit all stakeholders involved. His address aimed to inspire confidence in Assam’s potential role as a pivotal hub in India’s strategic vision for the East and Southeast Asian regions.
The session transitioned into an engaging Q&A segment where attendees posed thoughtful questions to the panelists. Topics included balancing local developmental needs with geopolitical interests, as well as exploring cultural exchanges that could strengthen ties between Assam and its neighbors. Panelists responded with insights into how fostering local capabilities and addressing community needs can enhance Assam’s role in regional partnerships. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating local perspectives into international collaborations to ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.
Key Insights
Geopolitical Balance: The discussion highlighted the intricate balance between local aspirations and international strategies, particularly as India seeks to enhance its role as a regional leader in Asia. The need for a cohesive strategy that harmonizes local development with global interests was stressed, recognizing that geopolitical stability can promote economic growth.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst: Infrastructure and connectivity were identified as foundational elements for economic prosperity. The speakers pointed out that improved transport networks and logistics would not only facilitate trade within the region but also enhance India’s connectivity with Southeast Asian markets. This interconnectivity could lead to increased investment opportunities and economic partnerships.
Sustainability in Energy: The emphasis on renewable energy solutions showcases a proactive approach towards climate change. By investing in sustainable energy practices, India can not only meet its energy demands but also position itself as a leader in the global transition towards greener energy solutions, aligning with international climate agreements.
Healthcare as a Collaborative Necessity: The ongoing global health crisis has illuminated the gaps in healthcare access and quality. The session underscored the critical need for India to collaborate with its Asian partners to enhance healthcare systems, ensuring that the populations can access affordable and quality medical care, which is vital for overall regional stability and growth.
Agriculture’s Potential for Growth: Agriculture was discussed as a sector with immense potential for enhancing food security and driving economic development. By forming partnerships that focus on agricultural innovation and food processing, the region can not only meet its internal demands but also position itself as a significant player in the global food supply chain.
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power: The importance of cultural ties and soft power was noted as an essential component of diplomacy. By promoting cultural exchanges and understanding, India can strengthen its relationships with Asian countries, fostering goodwill and collaboration that transcends mere economic interests.
Regional Cooperation for Shared Prosperity: The call for closer ties between Assam, Japan, and other Northeastern states highlights the vision for a collaborative approach to regional development. By fostering mutual cooperation in various sectors, these regions can work together to unlock their potential, ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and beneficial for all stakeholders involved.
The session on “Act East, Act Fast, and Act First” at Advantage Assam 2.0 provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the multifaceted relationship between India and its Asian partners. By focusing on infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, and cultural exchanges, the speakers painted a hopeful picture of future collaboration that could lead to significant economic growth and improved quality of life for the people in these regions. The insights gathered from this session reinforce the notion that strategic partnerships and regional cooperation are pivotal for unlocking the potential of the northeastern states and enhancing India’s standing in the broader Asian context.