External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, accompanied by Heads of Mission and Ambassadors from 45 countries, participated in an elephant safari at Kaziranga National Park on Monday. The visit comes ahead of the highly anticipated Advantage Assam summit, set to take place in Guwahati on February 25. The initiative aims to promote Assam as a key destination for tourism and investment, both domestically and internationally.
Kaziranga’s Rising Tourism Potential
Speaking on the occasion, EAM Jaishankar expressed his delight at the increasing number of tourists flocking to Kaziranga National Park. “I am very happy to see the growing number of tourists here. We are here for Advantage Assam, and after this, we are heading to Guwahati. Our aim is to enhance the profile of Assam and the northeastern states, attract more tourists, generate international interest, and bring in more investors. It’s a step in the right direction, and experiencing this early morning safari is a great start to the day,” he remarked.
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the iconic one-horned rhinoceros. The park has seen a surge in tourist footfall, with more than three lakh visitors recorded this season. Highlighting this positive trend, Jaishankar credited the Indian government’s push for domestic tourism as a major factor.
Global Delegates Laud Assam’s Natural Beauty
Foreign dignitaries participating in the safari were mesmerized by the park’s diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. A delegate from Timor-Leste shared his experience, stating, “It was a privilege to visit Kaziranga National Park and witness wild animals like elephants, rhinos, and tigers. Assam has immense potential to offer such experiences to the world. This visit has been truly enjoyable. Nature and wild animals teach us valuable lessons about peace. Even though rhinos and elephants are both known for their aggressive nature, they coexist side by side.”
Another diplomat expressed gratitude for the unique opportunity, saying, “I thank the Minister of External Affairs and the authorities of Assam for offering us an experience that will remain a lifelong memory. Being based in New Delhi, it is wonderful to have this opportunity to see Assam’s natural beauty and immerse ourselves in its serene environment. I wish the animals here a long and healthy life.”
Advantage Assam: A Platform for Growth and Investment
The Advantage Assam summit is the largest investment promotion and facilitation initiative undertaken by the Government of Assam. The event aims to highlight the state’s geostrategic advantages and showcase its potential as a major investment hub. Strategically located in the northeastern region of India, Assam serves as the gateway to Northeast India and Southeast Asia.
Apart from its renowned tea gardens and petroleum resources, Assam is now venturing into agriculture, food processing, handicrafts, tourism, and information technology. With the government actively encouraging foreign investment and tourism, the state is poised for rapid economic growth in the coming years.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
The visit by international diplomats to Kaziranga National Park symbolizes India’s commitment to enhancing global diplomatic relations and promoting regional tourism. By inviting ambassadors from across the world, the initiative strengthens bilateral ties and positions Assam as a key player in India’s Act East Policy.
With Assam emerging as a prime destination for both tourism and investment, the elephant safari in Kaziranga has successfully set the stage for the Advantage Assam summit, reinforcing India’s efforts to integrate the northeast into the country’s broader economic and diplomatic framework.
