India’s Northeast region holds immense potential to enhance the country’s connectivity with the wider Indo-Pacific. However, the region faces significant challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, low levels of cross-border trade, and climate vulnerabilities. The U.S Indo-Pacific Strategy: North-Eastern Dialogues (USIPS NED) aims to build awareness about the US Indo-Pacific Strategy in the Northeast and its role in developing trade, connectivity, and climate change mitigation in the region, through potential India-US cooperation. The project will engage 200 stakeholders from various sectors across the Northeast, with a goal of 50 percent participation of women. Through policy dialogues at both regional and national levels, the project aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the region’s challenges and opportunities in connectivity, trade, and climate change. A major focus of the dialogues will be assessing the region's physical and digital connectivity. Particular attention will be given to riverine and maritime infrastructure, vital for connecting the Northeast to the Indo-Pacific via the Bay of Bengal. The project will explore ways in which US-India cooperation can enhance trade logistics and fill infrastructural gaps.
Given the region’s vulnerability to climate change, the project will also highlight sustainable infrastructure practices that are resilient to climate-related risks. The focus will be on mitigating plastic pollution in riverine ecosystems, integral to the region’s development. Stakeholder engagement will be crucial to promoting eco-friendly solutions and ensuring long-term sustainability in infrastructure development. By fostering dialogue and cooperation between India and the US, the project will explore ways to harness the potential of India’s Northeast, promoting a more connected, inclusive, and climate-resilient region, while contributing to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Agenda and Composition of the North-Eastern Dialogues
The USIPS NED will be conducted through 5 policy dialogues in hybrid mode in five Northeastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, Mizoram, a digital dialogue in Manipur, and two national level dialogues in Kolkata and New Delhi. It aims to promote awareness and foster discussions about the US Indo-Pacific Strategy and its potential role in developing regional trade connectivity and climate change mitigation. The first dialogue is scheduled as a day-long event in Shillong, Meghalaya on 26th November 2024.
Each North-Eastern Dialogue (NED) will convene 37 participants/ Stakeholders and some Experts from the Northeast. The stakeholders are research scholars or career professionals from diverse sectors such as government, business groups, civil society, non-government organisations, media, and academia. Among the 37 stakeholders; 27, will be joining in person and 10 will be joining digitally. Experts will present their views during panel discussions to set the context for subsequent deliberations among the stakeholders.
Apart from participating in the dialogues, Stakeholders will also be requested to fill out two survey questionnaires. The pre-dialogue survey is designed to gauge their existing awareness of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and their perceptions about potential India-US collaboration in trade connectivity and climate change in India’s Northeast. The Post dialogue survey will measure if there are any changes in their opinions after participating in the dialogues.
Meghalaya Dialogue Format:
The entire dialogue is divided into three main segments:
Panel Discussions:
The Meghalaya Dialogue includes 3 panel discussions. Each of these will feature 3 expert panellists from varying domains, who will share their perspectives on the topic through a moderated discussion based on the key question highlighted in the schedule given below. As each panel discussion will be 45 minutes, each speaker will have 7 minutes of speaking time, and the rest of the session (tentatively 15-20 minutes) will be devoted to an interactive Question and Answer session between the stakeholders and the expert panellists.
Breakout Sessions:
After each of the first two panel discussions (on trade connectivity and climate change), there will be 3 parallel Breakout sessions (a total of 6), to facilitate more focused discussions based on the three given questions in each panel.
Each breakout session will be of 45 minutes. Two of the three parallel breakout sessions after every panel discussion, will comprise stakeholders attending in person (11 + 11) and the third will engage the stakeholders attending virtually (10). After the break-out sessions, the stakeholders will be requested to reconvene in the main hall and their respective moderators will share the highlights of their sessions within 8-10 minutes. There will be no breakout sessions after the third-panel discussion.
Presentation of Students’ Audit Reports:
A key objective of the USIPS NED is to provide a platform for the youth to voice their opinions about the future of the Northeast and scope for US-India cooperation based on the US-Indo Pacific Strategy. Accordingly, 5 research scholars/ student stakeholders will attend the Meghalaya Dialogue in person. They will audit the 3 panel discussions and the 6 break-out sessions (2 will audit each in-person break-out session, and 1 will audit each virtual break-out session). Auditing means observing the proceedings of each discussion and session, based on which they will formulate 15 recommendations; 5 on trade connectivity; 5 on climate change; and 5 on harnessing the potential of the Northeast in India-US relations, all with Meghalaya in focus. They will present these recommendations during the Student Audit Report session at the end of the day and then submit these to the ORF team for their records.
Stakeholders for Meghalaya Dialogue:
|
D. M. Sangma |
Project Manager |
Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Meghalaya |
|
Daphiralin Kharjana |
Deputy Director, MCS |
Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Meghalaya |
|
Kyntiew Bor Surong |
Senior Geologist |
Directorate of Mineral Resources, Department of Mining and Geology, Government of Meghalaya |
|
Albert Chiang |
Officer on Special Duty |
Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) |
|
Lisa Marbaniang |
Branch Manager- Shillong |
North Eastern Development Finance Corporation |
|
Suresh Shovasaria |
liaison officer |
Star Cement |
|
Mohammad Sageer |
Manager |
Travenjo |
|
Ritre Oo Lyngdoh |
Coordinator |
Greentech Foundation Meghalaya India |
|
Bankitlang Nongbri |
Founder |
Eco-Ri |
|
AllfondBirth Kharsyntiew |
Manager |
Spring Valley Farm |
|
Emdorini Thangkhiew |
Assistant Professor |
Department of political science, Synod college, Shillong |
|
Bamedabet Nylla Nonglait |
Assistant Professor |
Department of political science, Synod college, Shillong |
|
Ibankyntiew Mawrie |
Journalist |
Co-Founder, VoxCrest Media |
|
Raju Das |
Correspondent |
Assam Tribune |
|
Raymond Rhaplang Kharmujai |
Journalist |
INS |
|
Gyalmit Lepcha |
Phd Scholar Asymmetrical Federalism -Sikkim Bodoland |
North East Hill University, Shillong |
|
Lereteu Khutsoh |
Phd Scholar -Indo Mynmmar Border- Ngaland |
North East Hill University, Shillong |
|
Chongpi Veineichong Haokip |
Phd Scholar -Ethnic Conflict in NE- Manipur |
North East Hill University, Shillong |
|
Sabyasachi Chatterjee |
Director of Sales |
Courtyard by Marriott Shillong |
|
Moharana Choudhury |
Research Coordinator Environment Research and Management Division |
Voice of Environment (VoE) |
|
Akshay Jyoti Sarma |
Assistant Professor |
Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development |
|
Biplab Debnath |
Assistant Professor, International Relations |
Tripura University |
|
Prasenjit Chakraborty |
Associate Editor |
Tripura Times |
|
J.C. Zomuanthanga |
Assistant Professor |
Mizoram University |
|
Lalhming Sangi |
Research Scholar |
Mizoram University |
|
Kimi Colney |
Journalist |
East Mojo |
|
Md. Farijuddin Khan |
Assistant Professor |
Dhanamanjuri University Dep of Political Science |
|
Moirangthem Solomon |
Research Scholar |
Dhanamanjuri University Dep of Political Science |
|
Srijana Sharma |
Assistant Professor, |
Department of Political Science, Sikkim Manipal University |
|
Deesha Ghosh |
MA student |
Department of Political Science, Sikkim Manipal University |
|
Swastika Pradhan |
Assistant Professor |
Department of Political Science, Sikkim University |
|
Jahnabi Chetry |
MA student |
Department of Political Science, Sikkim University |
|
Spirit Suphai |
Research Scholar |
Synod College |
|
Ailashisha Khymdeit |
Research Scholar |
Synod College |
|
Darikermi -oo Pyrbodh |
Research Scholar |
Synod College |
|
Jasmine Kharbiteng |
Research Scholar |
North East Hill University ,Shillong |
|
Medosano Mary |
Research Scholar |
North East Hill University ,Shillong |
|
Kimneithem Kipgen |
Research Scholar |
Department of economics, Tripura University. |
09:00 - 10:00 (IN)
09:30 - 10:00 (IN)
09:30-9:35 am - Welcome Address by Nilanjan Ghosh, Director, Centre for New Economic Diplomacy and ORF Kolkata, and Project Director, USIPS NED
09:35-9:45 am - Special Address by Sampath Kumar, Principal Secretary, Forest & Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya
09:45-9:55 am - Special Address by Representation from United States Consul General in Kolkata
09:55-10:00 am - Project Introduction by Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury, Senior Fellow, ORF Kolkata and Project In-Charge, USIPS NED
10:00 - 10:45 (IN)
Panel Discussion I: Northeast Nexus: Weaving Meghalaya into the Trade Network The Northeast is geographically positioned to be a strategic gateway to extend India’s outreach into the wider Indo-Pacific. However, it continues to suffer from gaps in connectivity infrastructure and low levels of transnational trade due to its difficult terrain and recurring political violence and ethnic conflicts, preventing its optimal utilisation. Meghalaya with its hilly landscape, particularly finds it difficult to connect roads, electricity, and telecom. Its wide and shallow rivers with uneven river beds, hinders navigation. To effectively overcome these hindrances and better connect Meghalaya with other Northeastern states as well neighbouring countries, it is vital to review the cavities in existing transportation links and chart ways in which these can be improved. The feasibility of developmental cooperation with the US in this regard is also an area of consideration.
Endowed with this objective, this session will explore the following key question:
Expert Panellists
D. Kharjana, Deputy Director, Commerce and Industries Department, Government of Meghalaya
TT. Haokip, Professor, Head of Department, Political Science, North East Hill University, Meghalaya & Munmun Majumdar, Professor, Department of Political Science, North East Hill University, Meghalaya.
Sabyasachi Dutta, Executive Director, Asian Confluence, Meghalaya. (virtual)
Moderator:
Nilanjan Ghosh, Director, Centre for New Economic Diplomacy and ORF Kolkata, and Project Director, USIPS NED
10:45 - 11:30 (IN)
Breakout Session I: Trade Trails of Northeast India: Linking Local to Global
Moderator: Biplab Debnath, Assistant Professor, Political Science, Tripura University
Breakout Session II: The Infrastructure Frontier: Northeast India’s Connectivity Needs
Moderator: Anutosh Biswas, Established Opinion Leader, US Consulate General Kolkata, US Department of State
Virtual Breakout Session III: Digital Horizons: Soft Connectivity in Northeast India
Moderator: Anirban Sarma, Deputy Director, ORF Kolkata (virtual)
Presentation of key points from Breakout Sessions by moderators
11:30 - 12:00 (IN)
11:30-11:40 am Breakout Session I Biplab Debnath
11:40-11:50 am Breakout Session II Anutosh Biswas
11:50-12:00 am Breakout Session III (Virtual) Anirban Sarma
12:00 - 13:00 (IN)
13:00 - 13:45 (IN)
Due to its unique geography, fragile ecosystems and dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods, India’s Northeast is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Increased rainfall, flooding, deforestation and rising temperatures are bearing both environmental and socio-economic impacts. Meghalaya particularly witnesses erratic weather and depleting forest cover as well as natural disasters such as earthquakes, flash floods and landslides, that affect its communities and hinder infrastructural growth. The state also suffers from rising air and water pollution due to its coal mining industry. Deliberations on climate change, climate-related hazards and their impact on life and livelihood, are thus crucial in the journey towards sustainable development.
Endowed with this objective, this session will explore the following key question:
Expert Panellists
Binayak Dutta, Honourable Senior Fellow, Asian Confluence and Associate Professor, Department of History, North Eastern Hill University
Albert Chiang, Officer on Special Duty, Meghalaya Institute for Governance, Meghalaya
Aparna Roy, Fellow and Lead Climate Change and Energy, CNED, ORF. (virtual)
Moderator:
Nilanjan Ghosh, Director, Centre for New Economic Diplomacy and ORF Kolkata, and Project Director, USIPS NED
13:45 - 14:30 (IN)
Breakout Session I: Community First: Tackling Climate Change & Disaster Risks in Northeast India
Moderator: Binayak Dutta
Breakout Session II: Pollution Solutions: Reviving Meghalaya’s Environment
Moderator: Patricia Mukhim, Social Activist and Editor of Shillong Times.
Virtual Breakout Session III: Resilient Foundations: Infrastructure in Northeast India’s Changing Climate
Moderator: Aparna Roy (virtual)
Presentation of key points from Breakout Sessions by moderators
14:30 - 15:00 (IN)
2:30-2:40 pm - Breakout Session I Binayak Dutta
2:40-2:50 pm - Breakout Session II Patricia Mukhim
2:50-3:00 pm - Breakout Session III (Virtual) Aparna Roy
15:00 - 15:15 (IN)
15:15 - 16:15 (IN)
Located at the juncture of South and Southeast Asia, India’s Northeast is a geographic pivot from which its multiple bordering countries can be accessed. In the era of the Indo-Pacific, where interconnectedness is essential among countries for mutual advantages and to address transnational challenges that affect people regardless of political boundaries, the time is ripe to unlock the Northeast’s true potential. Accordingly, the region has risen to the forefront of foreign policy interests of countries invested in the Indian Ocean region, which together with India seeks to create a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The US Indo-Pacific Strategy released in 2021, showcases the US’s commitment to “India’s continued rise and regional leadership,” and complements New Delhi’s interest in fostering regional growth. India’s Northeast thus becomes a zone of their converging policy interests, and a natural platform for their collaborative initiatives towards developing a more free, open, connected, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific.
Endowed with this objective, this session will explore the following key question:
Expert Panellists
Riewad Warjri, Former Ambassador of India and Distinguished Fellow, Asian Confluence, Meghalaya
Patricia Mukhim
Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury
H. Srikanth, Department of Political Science, North East Hill University, Meghalaya
Moderator:
Sohini Bose, Associate Fellow, ORF Kolkata and Project Coordinator USIPS NED
16:15 - 16:45 (IN)
16:45 - 17:05 (IN)
Jeffrey Payne, Assistant Professor at the Near East South Asia, Center for Strategic Studies in Washington D.C. (virtual)
In-Conversation with
Pratnashree Basu, Associate Fellow, ORF Kolkata. (virtual)
17:05 - 17:35 (IN)
17:35 - 17:45 (IN)
Summarisation of Highlights by Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury
17:45 - 18:00 (IN)
18:00 - 21:00 (IN)
