Shillong, December 3, 2024 – The Asian Confluence, a premier think tank, hosted an interactive high-level roundtable discussion titled “Strengthening Strategic Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific Region.”
The event featured prominent speakers- Her Excellency Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India; Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata; Shri Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Government of Meghalaya; Mrinal Talukdar, Senior Journalist; Patricia Mukhim, Editor, Shillong Times; Dr. Binayak Dutta, Hon. Fellow, Asian Confluence; Amb. Riewad Warjri, Hon. Fellow, Asian Confluence; and Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director, Asian Confluence.
The discussions centred on strengthening Indo-British partnerships rooted in the shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, with a particular emphasis on the Northeast’s role as a critical link connecting South and Southeast Asia. Recognized for its rich cultural diversity and strategic location, the Northeast emerged as a focal point for dialogue on cross-border connectivity and sustainable regional integration.
Climate change emerged as a recurring theme, with participants advocating for a comprehensive and collaborative policy in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Bay of Bengal. The discussions also spotlighted opportunities for collaboration in higher education and healthcare, seen as vital avenues for strengthening people-to-people connections and enhancing regional capacity.
The roundtable reaffirmed the Indo-Pacific’s status as a hub of economic opportunity and strategic significance while acknowledging the unique complexities of Northeast India’s identity and role in the broader regional framework.
Comments