SHILLONG, Meghalaya, 17^th March, 2019: “Regional integration is to be pursued keeping in mind the sovereignty of the member states, the aspirations of the people and the political, economic and technical feasibility of various connectivity initiatives that are underway within the BIMSTEC framework” opined Shri Tathagata Roy, Honourable Governor, Meghalaya. Shri Roy was speaking at an Interactive Discussion titled “North East India: From Land- locked to Water-linked Land-Bridge-Exploring the BIMSTEC mechanism” hosted by Asian Confluence at its East Asia Centre, Laitumkhrah, Shillong. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Shahidul Isam, Secretary General, BIMSTEC Secretariat, highlighted the importance of North East India as a key connector between South and South East Asia. He further emphasised the importance of both economic and people-to-people connectivity towards higher integration and prosperity of the region. Ambassador T C A Raghavan, Director General, Indian Council for World Affairs, shared that the Ministry of External Affairs of India has been actively pursuing higher cooperation and connectivity between member states in the region and particularly highlighted the efforts undertaken in terms of inland waterways and maritime connectivity.

Dr. B. B. Dutta, Chairman, DIvya Jeevan Foundation, shared that the enriching discussions set the stage right for the ensuing Young Scholars’ Forum that the Asian Confluence is organising over the next two days. He stressed that the youth are the key change agents for a more connected future for countries in the region and requested them to ponder over the theme of being global but being local in light of the discussions at today’s event. Mr. Tanvir Mansur, Assistant High Commissioner, Bangladesh Assistant High Commission, Guwahati, shared a number of proactive initiatives taken to cement trade, cultural and connectivity ties between Bangladesh and India, including literary exchange, high level visits, visa facilitation, etc. He also shared regarding upcoming developments in air and water connectivity between Bangladesh and India and hoped that flight services between Guwahati and Dhaka will start soon. He added that his office will promote these services by providing speedy visas for passengers traveling via this flight. The event had very enriching and spirited discussions on the possibilities, challenges and recent initiatives taken towards furthering integration within the BIMSTEC region. Among others it had participation from eminent dignitaries like Mr. Y. Tsering, Chief Secretary, Meghalaya, Amb. Rudi Warjri, Amb. River Wallang, Dr. T.B. Subbah, Governing Council Member, Asian Confluence, Shri. Sampath Kumar, Secretary Water Resources, Government of Meghalaya, Mr. P L N Raju, Director, NESAC and Shri. Toki Blah were also a part of this interactive session along with participants from different sectors. Eminent academicians and young scholars from Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam and India were also part of this interactive discussion.