Assam key gateway to Act East growth: Sarbananda Sonowal

By Admin

26 Dec, 2025

Introduction
Assam is emerging as a strategic growth engine for India’s Act East Policy, with its geography, connectivity and governance reforms positioning it as a natural bridge between India and Southeast Asia. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted this potential while addressing the 2nd Guwahati Dialogue, calling on entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to tap into Assam’s expanding regional role and contribute to inclusive development across the Northeast.

Assam’s Strategic Location and Market Potential
Sarbananda Sonowal underlined that Assam can cater to a market of nearly 800 million people stretching from Nepal to Myanmar. As India deepens its economic and logistical integration with Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy, Assam’s location places it at a unique geographical crossroads. The state is poised to become a gateway for trade, investment and connectivity, linking India’s Northeast with neighboring countries and fast-growing regional markets.

Act East Policy and Entrepreneurial Opportunity
With the Act East Policy as a guiding framework, Sonowal urged entrepreneurs to leverage Assam’s strengths to drive regional growth. Improved infrastructure, better connectivity and policy support have created new opportunities for manufacturing, logistics, waterways, trade services and startups. According to the minister, Assam’s role as a regional hub can accelerate economic development not only for the state but for the entire Northeast, supporting India’s broader growth ambitions.

India’s Transformational Development Journey
Reflecting on India’s progress since Independence, Sonowal said the last 11 years have been particularly transformational under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Structural reforms, innovation-led growth and people-centric governance have reshaped the development landscape. He noted that cities once considered remote or marginalised, such as Gangtok and Aizawl, are now better connected, improving ease of living and strengthening trust between citizens and the government.

Strengthening the Northeast under Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat
The minister highlighted the Prime Minister’s deep engagement with the Northeast, pointing out that Narendra Modi has visited the region more than 70 times. These visits have reinforced national integration and the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Sonowal said this sustained focus has fostered a sense of shared responsibility in nation-building and ensured that the Northeast plays a central role in India’s development story.

Vision 2047: Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Looking ahead to 2047, Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised that India’s goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat must be achieved through development that is modern, inclusive and rooted in civilisational values. He invoked the teachings of Srimanta Sankardeva, also known as Gurujona, highlighting their relevance in promoting collective well-being, social harmony and holistic growth. According to the minister, development must unite communities while empowering individuals.

Role of Waterways and Sustainable Growth
Referring to the mandate of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sonowal stressed the importance of pollution-free inland waterways for environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. He reiterated that waterways are not just transport corridors but a way of life. Clean and efficient water transport can reduce logistics costs, support green growth and strengthen Assam’s role as a logistics and trade hub under the Act East framework.

Call for Partnership in Assam’s Growth Story
Concluding his address, Sarbananda Sonowal called on industry leaders, startups and investors to partner in Assam’s growth journey. He said the convergence of policy innovation, expanding connectivity and good governance has laid a strong foundation for long-term regional prosperity. With Assam positioned as a key gateway to Act East growth, collaborative efforts can transform the state into a dynamic engine of development for the Northeast and a vital contributor to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat.