Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held separate meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday, discussing Assam’s growing strategic importance in India’s foreign policy, regional connectivity, and defence sector ambitions.
Sharing details of his meeting with Jaishankar, Sarma said the interaction focused on strengthening India’s Act East Policy and exploring Assam’s potential role in enhancing trade and tourism linkages with neighbouring countries.
“This morning, I had the pleasure to call upon Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar ji. His perspective on global affairs and how India is navigating current geopolitical headwinds is always enlightening,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
HCM Dr. @himantabiswa called upon Hon’ble External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar in New Delhi today.
The discussion centered on ways Assam can strengthen trade and tourism ties with neighboring countries. pic.twitter.com/1OehF4Mr7R
— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) May 31, 2026
Sarma thanked the External Affairs Minister for sharing insights on further advancing the Act East Policy, a flagship initiative aimed at deepening India’s economic, strategic, and cultural engagement with Southeast Asian nations and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism about Assam’s growing role as a gateway to Southeast Asia and said the state could contribute significantly to expanding cross-border trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
The discussions come at a time when India is accelerating efforts to strengthen economic corridors, transport networks, and commercial partnerships with neighbouring countries under the Act East framework.
Earlier in the day, Sarma also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed opportunities to position Assam as a key contributor to India’s evolving defence ecosystem.
HCM Dr. @himantabiswa called upon Hon’ble Union Defence Minister Shri @rajnathsingh and discussed opportunities to strengthen Assam’s role in the nation’s defence ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/B3TLWiZuBC
— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) May 31, 2026
Describing the meeting as “always enriching,” the Chief Minister praised Singh’s experience as an administrator, public servant, and senior political leader.
“He is a powerhouse of wisdom and knowledge. We have so much to learn from his vast experience as an excellent administrator, a dedicated public servant and a veteran karyakarta,” Sarma wrote.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister thanked the Defence Minister for his campaign efforts during the Assam Assembly elections and sought his guidance for the state’s future development.
A major focus of the discussion was Assam’s potential participation in India’s defence manufacturing and strategic infrastructure expansion. Sarma said he explored ways to position Assam as a significant player in the defence sector in line with the state’s broader industrial growth ambitions.
The conversation gains significance as the Centre continues to promote indigenous defence production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with increasing emphasis on domestic manufacturing capabilities and strategic self-reliance.
The back-to-back meetings highlight Assam’s expanding role in both India’s eastern outreach strategy and its long-term national security and industrial development framework. Officials believe the state’s strategic location, improving connectivity, and growing infrastructure could help it emerge as an important hub for trade, tourism, logistics, and defence-related investments in the coming years.