Assam can act as a hub for India's ‘Act East Policy’: S Jaishankar
He spoke at the two-day Advantage Assam 2.0 summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which brought together top diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss investment opportunities and regional connectivity.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that Assam can act as a hub for India’s ‘Act East Policy’, highlighting the north-eastern state’s strategic role in the country’s future going forward.
Assam’s strategic role in India’s Act East policy took centre stage at the Advantage Assam 2.0 – Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025. The two-day event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought together top diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss investment opportunities and regional connectivity.
Addressing the session on Act East, Act Fast and Act First, the External Affairs Minister emphasised that Act East begins with a shift in Delhi’s approach towards Assam and the Northeast, a transformation that has taken place since 2014 under the Modi government. He highlighted Assam’s potential as a hub for India’s Act East policy, citing key infrastructure projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway as game-changers in regional connectivity.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma underscored the state's commitment to contributing to India’s growth journey, noting that, for the first time, a large delegation of Heads of Missions and Ambassadors had visited the state to explore investment opportunities. He invited global partners to leverage Assam’s strategic location and economic potential.
Harsha Vardhan Agarwal, President of FICCI, emphasized the Northeast’s crucial role in India’s Act East policy, identifying key sectors for ASEAN collaboration, including digital economy, semiconductors, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Global dignitaries, including ambassadors from Singapore, the European Union, Bhutan, and Japan, echoed the need for enhanced connectivity—both physical and digital—with Assam. Discussions also focused on mobilizing private investments and academic collaborations.
Organized by FICCI as the industry partner, Advantage Assam 2.0 featured ministerial and thematic sessions, an exhibition showcasing over 240 exhibitors, and participation from global investors, policymakers, and startups, positioning Assam as a key player in India’s engagement with Southeast Asia.
