'Unearthing the North-East's potential key to building a Viksit Bharat'

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and senior BJP leader from Assam, wears two hats with ease ~ championing national maritime reforms while looking after the Northeast's development. In a conversation with Abhijit Deb of The Statesman, he speaks about balancing local aspirations with national responsibilities, expanding inland waterways in Assam, aligning maritime infrastructure with India's global ambitions, and deepening strategic partnerships with Japan.

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Question: As a senior BJP leader from Assam and currently Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, how do you balance the expectations of local constituents from Northeast India with your national-level ministerial responsibilities?

Our region—the Northeast—is rich with potential and possibilities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has recognised this, and under his dynamic leadership, the government has been working relentlessly to realise them. For far too long, our beautiful region was neglected, especially during the Congress regime. Our riches lay in ruins, and our possibilities went in vain. However, this changed under the BJP-led NDA governments. As a member of this government, my intent aligns with its broader vision—to power the engine of growth in the region and strengthen the Act East Policy. Our goal is to build a prosperous Northeast by unearthing opportunities and unlocking its immense potential. As a son of the soil, I commit myself to the welfare of the people and do utmost to fulfil their expectations in line with the cause of nation building.

Question: As a member of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), what issues are you championing to ensure that maritime infrastructure aligns with broader political-economic strategies, both domestically and with neighbouring coastal countries?