Meghalaya: India-EU Connectivity Conference Held for Infrastructure Development in NE

SHILLONG: An India-EU Connectivity Conference was organised in Meghalaya’s Shillong on June 1 and June 2 with the objective to explore connectivity, investment opportunities in the northeastern states.

The meet was jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the European Union Delegation to India and the Asian Confluence.

The conference was inaugurated by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, in the presence of a host of dignitaries.

The conference was held in a bid to explore connectivity, bring in investments and to identify concrete projects in the Northeastern states of India and with India's neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, which will be implemented under the India-EU Connectivity Partnership, launched during the India-EU leaders meeting held in May 2021, stated a release by the MEA.

During his speech, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh stressed on the significance placed by the Indian government on connectivity initiatives within the country and as part of India's Development Partnership abroad. Singh also highlighted the opportunities for India-EU Triangular Development Cooperation in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Taking to Twitter on June 2, Singh posted, "Participated in the inaugural of the India EU Connectivity Conference along with CM of Meghalaya @SangmaConrad. Highlighted the tremendous opportunities for India-EU Triangular Development Cooperation in South Asia & the Indo-Pacific in this regard."

The importance of interstate and cross-border connectivity for the North East region as a whole and for Meghalaya in particular was also stressed by Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma.

The Meghalaya CM, while referring to India's 'Act East' Policy, said that Meghalaya has an 'Act South' policy within its framework, which is focussed on improving connectivity between Meghalaya and Bangladesh. Sangma also urged on a 'Zonal Approach' to connectivity, which signifies involving neighbouring states catering to each other’s needs.

On the second day of the conference, technical sessions were held on the themes- Digital Connectivity, Energy Connectivity, Transport Connectivity and Connectivity and Beyond focusing on projects linking the Northeast with India's neighbourhood, as part of the 'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' policies.

A statement released on the occasion said the sessions saw participation of senior officials from the Government of India, the EU Commission, governments of northeastern states, the North Eastern Council, stakeholders from Nepal, Bangladesh and executives from the private sector with a presence in the region.

A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Apress release said, "Going forward, a study on the existing EU Member States driven projects would be brought out by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS). MEA, the EU Delegation and other stakeholders such as RIS would identify suitable projects for joint implementation under the framework of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership."

"It will be recollected that the first-ever India-EU Trade and Technology Council Ministerial meeting held in Brussels on 16 May 2023 had prioritised - Connectivity Partnership - as one of the important focus areas of cooperation between India and the EU,” it further added.

Also Read: Meghalaya Government organize activities for World Environment Day

Also Watch: