In a remarkable blend of diplomacy and nature, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar led a delegation of ambassadors and heads of missions from over 60 countries on an unforgettable visit to Kaziranga National Park in Assam today.
The group, which arrived in Guwahati on Sunday, kicked off their three-day itinerary with an early morning safari, showcasing India’s rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation on an international stage.
The delegation, comprising representatives from 61 nations along with some of their spouses, began their adventure with elephant and jeep safaris in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its one-horned rhinoceroses and thriving ecosystems. The visit, which took place amidst the park’s lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, offered the diplomats a rare glimpse of rhinos, water buffaloes, deer, and the endangered river dolphins of the Brahmaputra—a highlight that has recently propelled Kaziranga to its highest tourist footfall in two decades.
Jaishankar, who described the experience as "stunning and pristine," emphasised the significance of Assam’s natural treasures. "An early morning safari at Kaziranga National Park with ambassadors was a unique way to start the day. Assam’s wildlife scenes are truly breathtaking," he shared on social media, accompanied by photos of the group marveling at the park’s wonders. Diplomats echoed his sentiments, with one envoy noting, "We had only seen these animals in books and movies—this was an amazing experience."
The visit is part of a broader diplomatic outreach hosted by the Assam government, aimed at fostering international collaboration and boosting the state’s visibility as a peaceful and promising destination. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the media, highlighted the strategic intent behind the trip. "This is an opportunity to showcase Assam’s potential and convince countries with negative travel advisories to reconsider. With External Affairs Minister Jaishankar leading the delegation, we’re confident this will drastically increase tourist inflow and investment," he said.
Following their time in Kaziranga, the delegation traveled back to Guwahati to witness a grand Jhumoir dance performance featuring over 8,500 artists, a cultural spectacle designed to reflect Assam’s vibrant heritage. The visit will culminate on February 25 with the "Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit", where discussions on economic partnerships and infrastructure development are expected to take center stage.
Kaziranga, already basking in a record-breaking tourism season with over 3,00,000 visitors since October 2024, stands to gain even more global attention from this high-profile visit. The park’s recent success, driven by innovative attractions like boat safaris and a stable regional atmosphere, underscores its growing appeal, an appeal now amplified by this diplomatic spotlight.
As the envoys departed the park, the air buzzed with excitement and optimism. For Assam, this visit marks not just a celebration of its natural and cultural wealth, but a bold step toward rewriting its narrative on the world stage, one safari at a time.