The recently concluded the third edition of the Asian Confluence River Conclave at Guwahati, an initiative designed to recognise the countries of the region as Natural Allies in Development and Interdependence (NADI) has deliberated various perspectives and focused on connectivity in the Northeast.

Speaking on a concluding day on Sunday the Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Dr. RK Ranjan Singh stated that the profusion of rivers in India’s East & North East is simply unparalleled. For times immemorial, these rivers have flown through this geographical expense, carrying with their cultural values and ethos of the subcontinent. They have connected people, built trade linkages, and shaped belief systems.

Dr Ranjan echoed that as the landlocked Northeastern part of India is connected to the rest of the country by a thin “chicken’s neck”- the Siliguri Corridor, as such the alternate connectivity via rivers to the rest of the country -as well as increased connectivity between India and our neighbours via waterways, therefore becomes critical.   

Quoting the External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar, ‘economic growth is universally driven by 3Cs, connectivity, commerce, and contacts. And our riverine systems have a major role to play in boosting all three.’, Dr. Ranjan added that shared rivers also bring with them natural challenges such as flooding, loss of biodiversity etc. and mitigation of such challenges needs close cooperation beyond political boundaries.

Dr. Ranjan also informed the international gathering that, underlining the importance of educational exchanges with our BIMSTEC partners, Prime Minister Modi announced education and capacity building initiatives during the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in 2018. Now Prime Minister Modi also offered to promote joint research and networking between marine scientific institutions.

Dr. Ranjan asserted that ‘it is therefore imperative that our countries work together, exchange knowledge on sustainable management, and share our development experiences for the overall prosperity of the region.

Talking about the educational space Dr. Ranjan stated that, ‘educational ties have always been a robust bridge between India and neighbouring countries in the Bay of Bengal region. He added that the Jatakas and other historical records reveal that the knowledge centers of Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramshila drew academics from all over the region. And while there is more path to cover, this tradition has continued through, till date.

It is noteworthy that during 2019-2020, 28.1% of India’s foreign students were from Nepal, 4.6% from Bangladesh, and 3.8% from Bhutan. 

Stating that Indian Universities have also imparted training to political leaders from across the region, Dr. Ranjan also informed the dignitaries in the conclave that there has been increasing focus on exchanges between academia, think tanks, media and Parliamentarians to further broaden and deepen bilateral relationships. 

Echoing optimistic views Dr. Ranjan said, ‘there are billions who call this region home and rely on our rivers for food and water security, as well as for their economic and cultural well being.” He concluded with a high appeal,  ‘the time to act is now’!  

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