by Bhupen Goswami 

GUWAHATI : An International River Conference to clarify the collective vision of cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asian region is being held today in Guwahati, Assam for two days from 28-29. The third edition of the conference, ‘NADI’ (Natural Partner in Development and Interdependence), has been organised by The Asian Sangam, a Shillong-based think tank in collaboration with the Act East Policy Affairs Department, North, union ministry of external affairs, Government of Assam. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdlu Momen and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Asian Conference river conclave in Guwahati, Assam.

Meanwhile, Assam CM Sarma said, “North East is India’s gateway to Asia. Our government is working to make Assam an industrial hub not only for this region but also for meeting the needs of Asian countries. Participating in the Asian Confluence River Summit, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said the coming together of the ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies will have a wider impact for India beyond the borders of South Asia. Addressing the ‘Natural Alliance in Development and Interdependence (NADI)’ conference here, Jaishankar said the realization of this in the Bay of Bengal region, he said that land connectivity through Myanmar and maritime connectivity through Bangladesh will open all avenues for Vietnam and the Philippines. “Once it becomes commercially viable, it will create an East-West aspect with broader consequences for the continent,” the External Affairs Minister said. He said it would not only build partnerships with ASEAN countries and Japan, but also make a real difference to the under-construction Indo-Pacific economic architecture.Jaishankar said, “If we can correct politics and economics, it is definitely within the ambit of our ability to win over geography and rewrite history. He said this vision can be successfully realised by enhancing connectivity with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar to improve access to ASEAN countries and beyond.

Evident from the potential of BIMSTEC. Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma further said that “The arrangement of 3 river on the banks of Luit is a matter of great privilege for us. It is hoped that this move will play a strong role in articulating a collective view from sub-regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal. River Conclave will serve as a coordinator for the rapid economic development of the region and to revive the relationship of river routes with our development ideas. Thanks to Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen ji, Foreign Minister, Government of Bangladesh who attended today’s event. Singapore’s High Commissioner to India Simon Wong Y Kuyen, Ambassador of Cambodia to India, representatives of ASEAN countries were present.Earlier, the Chief Minister gave a rousing welcome to the External Affairs Minister and representatives of ASEAN countries. A delegation of foreign countries led by Dr AK Abdul Momen,

Foreign Minister of neighbouring Bangladesh, has joined the conference. Speaking at the function held on the first day of the conference, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma claimed that the North East, including Assam, as the gateway to ASEAN, has played an important role in the development of the region. At the dinner, the Chief Minister said that he displayed his culture in the presence of representatives of neighbouring countries along the southern and eastern borders of the country. I sincerely thank the delegates for facilitating the holding of this important conference. I firmly believe that Assam is considered to be the main focus of India’s Act East policy and will play an important role in India’s economic development and diplomatic relations.