Enhanced Connectivity is a key element of New Delhi's 'neighbourhood first' and 'Act East' policy, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said.
On the second day of his visit to Sikkim, Shringla addressed the students of the Sikkim University on the topic ‘Locating Northeast Region in India’s Foreign Policy’.
His address at the Sikkim University was a part of the 4th Global Lecture Series, an event organised by the Department of International Relations of the Sikkim University in association with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Speaking to the students, the Foreign Secretary underlined that North-East region is a gateway to South-East Asia and it connects India to one of the most economically dynamic and politically significant geographies of the world – ASEAN and Indo-Pacific.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the development of the Northeast, he said, “Enhanced connectivity is a key element of PM Modi’s Neighbourhood First and Act East Policy. Improved infrastructure and connectivity with our neighbours will directly contribute to the economic development of the Northeast. It will generate investment, trade and jobs.”
He also spoke of how India and Japan are working together under the India-Japan Act East Forum to improve infrastructure and connectivity with the neighbouring countries which will directly contribute to the economic development of the Northeast. Overall development of region by way of projects on connectivity, water, sanitation, forest management and skill development will attract further investment and generate trade and jobs, Shringla said.
The Foreign Secretary in his address announced the launch of a Track-2 format dialogue named the 'Kanchenjunga Dialogue' with neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan which will further Sikkim’s position as an education and knowledge hub in the Northeast.
Shringla also invited the students of Sikkim University to participate in India’s journey of economic growth and development and explained how the Ministry of External Affairs has redesigned its internship program to recognize talent and interest from states such as Sikkim and other parts of the Northeast.
During his two-day visit to Sikkim, Foreign Secretary called on the Governor Ganga Prasad Chaurasia and the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
He also met the Chief Secretary and other high level officials of the state.
Originally from Darjeeling, Foreign Secretary Shringla always takes an active interest in the economic growth and development of the North Eastern region.
His visit to the state will facilitate necessary coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs and the State Government which will further pave the way for state's economic growth and development.
