Ahead of the Advantage Assam summit in Guwahati, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with ambassadors and heads of mission from 45 nations, embarked on an elephant safari at Kaziranga National Park on Monday. The visit aimed to highlight Assam’s rich biodiversity and boost its global tourism appeal.
Expressing enthusiasm about the growing tourist influx in the region, Jaishankar emphasized the significance of the Advantage Assam summit in promoting the state and other northeastern regions. “We are here to enhance Assam’s global presence, attract more tourists, generate international interest, and encourage investments. This visit is a great start to the day and a step in the right direction,” he stated.
Addressing a media query about Kaziranga’s rising popularity, Jaishankar acknowledged the milestone, noting that the park had already welcomed over 300,000 visitors. He echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of encouraging domestic tourism, stressing India’s abundant natural and cultural attractions.
A delegate from Timor-Leste shared his admiration for Kaziranga’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, and tigers. “This visit is an unforgettable experience. Assam has immense potential to showcase its natural beauty to the world. Observing how rhinos and elephants, both known for their aggressive nature, coexist peacefully is a lesson in harmony,” he remarked.
Another delegate expressed gratitude to the Indian government for the opportunity to experience Assam’s natural beauty. “This will be a lifelong memory. Being based in New Delhi, we rarely get such opportunities to immerse ourselves in nature. I hope the magnificent wildlife here thrives for generations,” he added.
Advantage Assam is the state’s largest investment promotion initiative, positioning Assam as a strategic gateway to Northeast India and Southeast Asia. Traditionally known for its tea plantations and petroleum resources, the state is now expanding its economic base into sectors such as agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, tourism, and information technology. Through this summit, Assam aims to attract global investors, drive economic growth, and showcase its diverse opportunities to the world.
