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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 and low levels of cross-border trade. The U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific: North Eastern Dialogue aims to build awareness about the US Indo-Pacific Framework in the Northeast and its role in developing trade, connectivity, and economic prosperity in the region, through potential India-US cooperation.
The project will engage 200 stakeholders from various sectors across the Northeast. 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 economic prosperity. A major focus of the Dialogue 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 long-standing economic concerns, the project will also explore possible collaborative endeavours that can enhance the growth of the region. Stakeholder engagement will be crucial to identifying the prevailing challenges in each of the selected states and collaborative measures that can be undertaken to mitigate them, such as by enhancing people-to-people connectivity through India-US cooperation. The project will explore ways to harness the potential of India’s Northeast, promoting a more connected, and economically prosperous region, while contributing to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The entire dialogue is divided into six digital Panel Discussions
Panel Discussions:
The Manipur Chapter (Digital) includes 6 panel discussions, of which three will be held on Day 1 and remaining three will be held on Day 2. Each of these will feature 5 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.
Each panel discussion will each be of 45 minutes, each speaker will have 5-6 minutes of speaking time, and the rest of the session (tentatively 15 minutes) will be devoted to an interactive Question and Answer session between the panellists and other participants.
Presentation of Scholars’ Audit Reports:
A key objective of the project is to provide a platform for the youth to voice their opinions about the future of the Northeast and the possibilities and potential of India-US cooperation in this growth story. Accordingly, 2 research scholars/senior postgraduate students will audit each of the 6 panel discussions. Auditing means observing the proceedings of each discussion and session, based on which they will formulate 18 recommendations; 3 from each panel discussion. They will submit these to the ORF team for their records.
Agenda and Composition of the North-Eastern Dialogue
The project will be conducted through six 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 Framework and its potential role in developing regional trade connectivity and economic prosperity. The Meghalaya, Assam, and Sikkim Chapters of this series have already been conducted on 26 November, 13 December 2024, and 07 May 2025, respectively. The fourth dialogue is scheduled as a digital event across 10-11 July 2025.
Each Dialogue will convene 37-40 delegates. Apart from participating in the dialogues, delegates 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 Framework and their perceptions about potential India-US collaboration in trade connectivity and economic prosperity in India’s Northeast. The post-dialogue survey will measure if there are any changes in their opinions after participating in the dialogues.
This is an invite-only event.
10:30 - 11:00 (IN)
Welcome Address by
Nilanjan Ghosh, Vice President – Development Studies, Observer Research Foundation, Director, ORF Kolkata, and Project Director USSFIP North Eastern Dialogue
Special Address by
Yumnam Robita, Director of Trade, Commerce & Industries, Government of Manipur, Manipur
Special Address by
Elizabeth Lee, Public Affairs Officer and Director American Center
Keynote Address by
Satu Limaye, Vice President of the East-West Center, and Director of the East-West Center, USA
Project Introduction by
Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury, Senior Fellow, ORF Kolkata and Project In-Charge USSFIP North Eastern Dialogue
11:05 - 11:50 (IN)
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. Manipur, sharing a border with Myanmar, has a pivotal role to play in evolving inter-country connectivity and boosting bilateral trade. However, political disturbance has undermined its connectivity prospects. In such circumstances, it is vital to review the cavities in existing transportation links and chart ways in which these can be improved. The feasibility of economic cooperation with the US in this regard is an area of consideration.
Endowed with this objective, this session will explore the following key question:
Expert Panellists
Kshetrimayum Narayan Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of South East Asia, Manipur University, Manipur
Nisha Taneja, Professor, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, New Delhi
Jayanta Singh, Chairman, Land Port Authority of India, Moreh, Manipur
Yumnam Rupachandra, Editor-in-Chief at Impact News, Imphal, Manipur
Felicita Gonmei, Research Scholar, Department of South East Asia, Manipur University, Manipur
Moderator
Nilanjan Ghosh, Vice President – Development Studies, Observer Research Foundation, Director, ORF Kolkata, and Project Director USSFIP North Eastern Dialogue
Auditors
Kshetrimayum Reena Devi, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Manipur University, Manipur
Wisibou Marenmai, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Manipur
11:50 - 12:00 (IN)
12:00 - 12:45 (IN)
The Northeast faces significant challenges in connectivity development. Difficult terrain, frequent landslides, and floods disrupt road and rail connectivity. The inland waterways traversing the Northeast landscape yet to be utilised to their full potential to connect the region. Maritime connectivity also remains complicated as the landlocked Northeast continues to depend primarily on the Kolkata port accessed via the narrow Siliguri corridor to reach the Bay of Bengal. Furthermore, air connectivity is also limited with few direct flights connecting the major cities of the Northeast with each other and the rest of India. The bordering state of Manipur has the unique potential to connect India with Myanmar via roads and railways. However, political disturbances, issues of governance, unavailability of raw materials and infrastructural challenges have thwarted its linkages. Exploring the nuances of Northeast’s connectivity with an eye on Manipur is thus necessary.
Endowed with this objective, this session will explore the following key questions:
Expert Panellists
Biswadeep Gupta, Founder, Knowledge Resource Centre Foundation, Assam
Loitongbam Bishwanjit Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of South East Asia, Manipur University, Manipur
Anindya Sarkar, Professor, Department of Political Science, Tripura University, Tripura
Nivaran Nongmaithem, Proprietor, Khuibo Tours and Travel, Manipur
Pukhrambam Kiran Singh, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur
Moderator
Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury, Senior Fellow, ORF Kolkata and Project In-Charge USSFIP North Eastern Dialogue
Auditors
Kshetrimayum Somen Singh, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur
Shoibam Sushima Devi, Postgraduate Student, Department of History, Manipur University, Manipur
12:45 - 14:00 (IN)
14:00 - 14:45 (IN)
Digital infrastructure is essential for supporting trade and the economy through information exchange and social connection. Due to the late initiation into the development paradigm and due to its difficult topography and recurrent natural disasters, there is an infrastructural gap in the Northeast. In the case of internet and mobile connectivity permeation, there are still a significant number of isolated areas in the region without mobile connectivity. While the state of internet penetration is improving in the region, the Northeast faces higher network downtime and reduced internet speeds. Furthermore, existing internet connectivity is often compromised to cope with political turmoil. In such a context, it is critical to aassamnalyse the digital divide in the Northeast.
Endowed with this objective, this session will explore the following key questions:
Expert Panellists
Anuradha Oinam, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Imphal College & Former Research Assistant, Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi
Syed Kazi, Director, Council for Social & Digital Development (CSDD), Assam
Indraneel Mandal, Assistant Professor, Institute of Technology and Science, Uttar Pradesh
Shangcham Shangjam, Manager, Chiko Adventures, Manipur
Nasiruddin Molla, Associate Professor, Sikkim Professional University, Sikkim
Moderator
Basu Chandola, Associate Fellow, Observer Research Foundation
Auditors:
Ngasepam Cinthoibi Chanu, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Manipur University, Manipur
Khulakpam Mastan, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Manipur University, Manipur
11:00 - 11:45 (IN)
The Northeast’s economic growth faces both significant opportunities and substantial challenges. Rich natural resources, potential for tourism, and improved connectivity offer considerable potential for economic revival. However, political disturbances, infrastructural deficits, and a lack of industrialisation present major obstacles. Moreover, the railways and its limited infrastructure restricts industrial development, hindering economic diversification. The inadequate infrastructure significantly restrains the growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector in Manipur. In terms of sustainable economic growth, there must be a focus on the youth who can play a more vital role in driving the state's economic growth and creating a prosperous future. For the purpose of creating a stable environment that can support economic growth in the region, it is crucial to address these issues.
Endowed with this objective, this session will explore the following key questions
Expert Panellists
Rinku Khumukcham, Chief Editor, Imphal Times, Manipur
Meena Longjam, Independent Filmmaker and Assistant Professor, Department of Culture Studies, Manipur University of Culture, Manipur
Marchang Reimeingam, Associate Professor, Centre for Study of Social Change and Development (CSSCD), Institute for Social and Economic Change, Karnataka
Elangbam Jeeten Singh, Director of Handlooms & Textiles, Government of Manipur, Manipur
Robita Sorokhaibam, Professor, Department of Commerce, Manipur University, Manipur
Moderator
Swati Prabhu, Associate Fellow with the Centre for New Economic Diplomacy, ORF
Auditors
Laishram Pratima Chanu, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Manipur University, Manipur
Nahisa Parwin, Postgraduate Student, Department of History, Manipur University, Manipur
11:45 - 12:00 (IN)
12:00 - 12:45 (IN)
The Northeast of India has a dynamic and diverse small scale industries, transitioning from its local focus to a more global reach. This industry is distinguished by artisanal products, such as weaving, bamboo crafts, and bell-metal work, achieving prominence. The region's distinctive textiles, especially silk from sericulture, and traditional crafts are increasingly in demand. Apart from the handlooms and textile sectors, some enterprises are involved in indigenous chocolate-making and are gaining momentum via community initiatives. In such sectors, women play a vital role, contributing to economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and community development. However, the government has promoted cottage industries through various schemes and initiatives, but restricted access to finance, obsolete technology, insufficient infrastructure, and marketing challenges impede development.
Endowed with this objective, this session will explore the following key questions:
Expert Panellists
Catherine Soyamphi, Entrepreneur, Soyam Foods, Manipur
Vima Vashum, Manager, Women Institution and Communication, Ukhrul District Community Resource Management Society, Manipur
Ringyuichon Vashum, Director, Ukhrul District Women Institute of Micro-Credit, Manipur
Nindiya Pradhan, Entrepreneur, Hotel Industry, Sikkim
Raymond Chozah, Entrepreneur, Tours & Travel Industry, Mizoram
Moderator
Sunaina Kumar, Senior Fellow at ORF and Executive Director at Think20 India Secretariat, ORF New Delhi
Auditors
Glady Kshetrimayum, Postgraduate Student, Department of Political Science, Dhanamanjuri University
Sapam Dhanaraj Singh, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Manipur
12:45 - 14:00 (IN)
17:00 - 17:45 (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 open Indo-Pacific. 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
Joshua Thomas, former Deputy Director, ICSSR North Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong and former Coordinator, ASEAN Studies Centre, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Meghalaya
Noni Arambam, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, D. M. College of Arts, Manipur
Pema Wangchuk Dorjee, Journalist, Sikkim
Sabyasachi Dutta, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Asian Confluence, Meghalaya
Mrinal Kanti Banik, Senior Reporter, Tripura Times, Tripura
Moderator
Sohini Bose, Associate Fellow Bangladesh and Bay of Bengal, Strategic Studies Programme, ORF Kolkata and Project Coordinator USSFIP North Eastern Dialogue
Auditors
Ashem Regina, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Manipur University
Joyson Khumukcham, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Manipur University
