The U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific: North Eastern Dialogue – Kolkata Chapter was held at the American Center, Kolkata, on January 16. The programme was jointly organised by the U.S. Consulate General Kolkata and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) as part of efforts to strengthen U.S.–India cooperation under the Indo-Pacific framework.
From the discussions, participants from Sikkim and other Northeastern states highlighted that the region does not lack potential in tourism, trade, or industry, but continues to face serious challenges due to poor connectivity, weak road infrastructure, and limited promotion. The dialogue brought together around 30 invited stakeholders from across the Northeast and served as a national-level pre-dissemination consultation ahead of a larger policy dialogue scheduled to be held in New Delhi in March.
Representatives from Sikkim emphasised the state’s strong tourism potential but pointed out that inadequate road, air, and rail connectivity remains a major obstacle to growth. Climate change was also raised as a critical issue, with participants referring to the increasing risks from glacial lake outburst floods and vulnerable glacial lakes in the state. Poor digital connectivity and frequent disruptions to transport networks were cited as factors affecting investment and development.
The Sikkim delegation included Prakash Adhikari of Northeast Live, Nar Bahadur Chettri, Editor of Sikkim-based digital platform Sikkim JanKhabar, Rajeev Mishra, General Secretary of the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, tourism stakeholder Malina Lepcha, and Binod Tamang, cameraperson with NE Live. Participants from other Northeastern states also noted that although multiple development schemes have been launched by the central government, delays in implementation continue to
hamper economic progress.
The programme focused on advancing Indo-Pacific priorities such as connectivity, trade, supply-chain resilience, and regional development. Discussions highlighted the importance of improving ports, railways, inland waterways, roads, and digital corridors to better integrate Eastern and Northeastern India into global markets and reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities.
The dialogue was moderated by senior ORF experts Nilanjan Ghosh and Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury along with their teams. The inaugural session also featured virtual presentations by senior U.S. State Department officials, who outlined the broader Indo-Pacific vision and stressed the importance of maritime security and regional economic integration.
