By Our Editor
Nations cannot afford to remain in isolation no matter how rich or how mighty they are because if leaders insist on doing so in the end they will surely face disaster which will lead to their ruin. Due to advancement in science and technology the world has been reduced to global village and thus the feeling of neighbourliness is growing very strong. Geographically and culturally, North East (NE) India and East Asian countries have strong affinity with each other and this fact ought to be advantageously translated into action for mutual benefit. Previous governments have talked of Looking East Policy and present ones are insisting on Act East Policy with amazing result starting with tourism between India and Thailand. Second North East Festival began in Bangkok on July 29 with active cooperation between tour operators of Thailand and tourism stakeholders from the Northeastern region of India. The meet moderated by Meghalaya’s Tourism Director Cyril Diengdoh had presentations from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. Suchita Durai termed the occasion as pathbreaking initiatives to improve Indo-Thai relationship. Dignitaries attending the festival stressed on closer understanding and shared efforts to promote tourism and trade between both regions.
Speaking on July 30, the second day of the festival, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that since Thailand had already signed Mini Free Trade Agreements (MFTAs) with five Indian states – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat and Assam – he felt other states in North East too should also be included. He urged for direct flights between North East and South East Asian nations which will be a boon for tourism in both regions. Reiterating that political will is important for anything to happen, chief minister also invited Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Jurin Laksanawisit, to visit North East, including Meghalaya, and urged Union Minister of State (MOS) for External Affairs Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh and India’s Ambassador to Thailand to facilitate his visit. He concluded by soliciting cooperation of Deputy PM and entire government of Thailand to make the mission successful.
MOS External Affairs Singh said that connectivity with Asian countries is strategic for India. For example road from Moreh in Manipur to Massi in Thailand will be game-changer. He welcomed business community of Thailand to explore potential of India, especially North East. Deputy PM of Thailand said that festivals like these will enhance cooperation between the two regions. Recalling his first visit to India he felt that relations will surely improve starting with tourism. The three- day festival, follow-up of the first held in Bangkok in February 2019, ending on July 31 witnessed much enthusiasm from 150 Thai tour operators interacting with stakeholders of North East.