U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific North Eastern Dialogue | Tripura Chapter

Agartala, 29 October 2025 – The Observer Research Foundation hosted the Tripura Chapter of the U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific: Northeastern Dialogue at the Hotel Polo Towers, Agartala on 29 October 2025. This dialogue is a part of an 18-month American government-funded grant project which aims to build awareness about the U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific in India's Northeast region and explore avenues for advancing trade, connectivity, and economic growth through potential India-US cooperation.  Five chapters of the dialogue have already been hosted in Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim, Manipur, and Mizoram.

The Tripura Chapter included three panel discussions focused on trade connectivity, economic prosperity, and the strategic significance of the Northeast. Each featured expert panellists from a range of sectors, including government, businesses, civil society, NGOs, media, academia, and research. There were also four Breakout Sessions with smaller groups, highlighting key aspects of the theme.

The inaugural session commenced with the Welcome Address by Nilanjan Ghosh, Vice President – Development Studies, Observer Research Foundation, and Project Director, who stated, “Today’s Dialogue reaffirmed that Tripura, as a vital bridge between India and Bangladesh and a gateway to Southeast Asia is central to realising a resilient and connected Northeast within the broader Indo-Pacific framework. By strengthening cooperation, enhancing cross-border trade and physical connectivity, and empowering our youth through innovation and entrepreneurship, Tripura can emerge as a dynamic hub of growth and prosperity for the entire region. ”

Delivering the Special Address, Kiran Gitte, Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura, highlighted that, “Tripura is actively investing in robust infrastructure, including improved road networks, railway connectivity and the modernisation of its airport which facilitates better transportation of goods and services, integrating Tripura more deeply into regional and national supply chains.”

Introducing the project, Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury, Senior Fellow, Neighbourhood Studies Initiative, Observer Research Foundation and Project In-Charge, emphasised “India’s Northeast, as a strategic gateway to the Bay of Bengal, embodies this security-trade nexus and Tripura holds the key to deeper regional connectivity architecture.”

The dialogue featured several experts and the discussions focused on boosting trade, physical and digital connectivity and economic prosperity in Tripura and the wider Northeast. The project aims to emphasise the geopolitical importance of this region within the Indo-Pacific gamut. The deliberations were audited by research scholars and senior post graduate students, representing the youth of the Northeast. They presented their key takeaways at the end of the programme.

For more information, visit the website here.

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