US envoy hails PM Modi’s focus on Northeast development, invites attention to Manipur tourism

Imphal, Sep 11 (IANS) US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on the development of Northeast India was a positive step for a diverse country like India, during his separate meetings with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh here.

Gor, who is on a visit to Manipur, called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan and later met the Chief Minister at the CM Secretariat in Mantripukhri, officials said.

During his meeting with CM Khemchand Singh, the US Ambassador described Manipur as a “stunning place” with remarkable natural beauty and enquired about the number of tourists visiting the state, a senior official of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.

Gor said he was happy that Prime Minister Modi was focusing on the development of Northeast India, which, he noted, was particularly important for a diverse country like India.

The Ambassador also said there was a special bond between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, beyond the normal relationship between a Prime Minister and a President, adding that Trump personally cherished the relationship.

Khemchand Singh invited the US Ambassador to the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival 2026 and highlighted tourism and other allied sectors as potential areas for development in the state.

The Chief Minister said India was a “mini world” and Manipur a “mini India”, noting that the state was home to 36 communities. The ten-day Manipur Sangai Festival will be held from November 21 to 30 with the theme “Destination Manipur”.

The festival will showcase and promote the state’s art and culture, handloom, handicrafts and fine arts, indigenous sports, cuisine and music, besides eco-tourism and adventure sports. Participation of various states, foreign traders and cultural troupes is expected at the festival. Fashion shows and music programmes will also form part of the event.

The US Ambassador was accompanied by US Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz, while the Chief Minister was accompanied by state officials led by Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur.

The visiting US envoy’s meetings with the Governor and Chief Minister come amid efforts by the state government to promote Manipur as a tourism destination and explore opportunities for development in tourism and allied sectors.

–IANS

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