Guwahati: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated the ‘NADI’ (Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence) international river conference in Guwahati on Saturday to express the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asian region’s common vision of cooperation.
The colloquium was hosted by Asian Confluence, a Shillong-based think tank, in partnership with the Union External Affairs Ministry, the Assam government’s Act East Policy Affairs Department, the North Eastern Council, and other partners.
Jaishankar said, “India is more connected to the Northeast, and the Northeast is more connected to India’s neighbours. This entails a complete economic shift in the region. It will become a hub in and of itself, rather than being considered as a frontier.”
“Improving the convenience of doing business and living requires better connectivity. We must address topography-related issues. “An India that is more connected to the northeast, and a northeast that is better connected to India’s neighbours, will reshape the area,” he added.
In addition, Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while speaking on the occasion said, “The Northeast is India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.” Our government is trying to make Assam an industrial hub that would serve not just the region but also ASEAN countries’ catering needs. It’s critical to take use of Assam’s unique position.”
The NADI conference aims to boost trust in the Northeast’s critical role in advancing India’s strategic plan for energy and water security in the neighbourhood and the Bay of Bengal region, which would lead to a more vibrant and secure Indo-Pacific.
Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the conclave’s valedictory address on May 29.