SHILLONG: U.S. Consul General in Kolkata, Craig Hall, along with Brigadier General David E. Brigham, Defense Attaché, U.S. Embassy in New Delhi visited Shillong on Wednesday and held discussions with Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma and senior officials of the Indian Air Force.
They are visiting Siliguri, Darjeeling, Guwahati and Shillong . The Brigadier General is on his first familiarization trip to the region and the visit is a continuation of the U.S. Government’s and U.S. Consulate General Kolkata’s efforts to build sustained engagement in North Bengal and Northeast India.
Speaking to media persons, Craig Hall said that if the connectivity in the region was better, it would have economically benefitted the region and India as well
Stating that the US support the Act East Policy, he added that East and South East Asia would benefit from Indian influence and inner action
He however expressed concern over the fact that the gap of economic growth between South, West India and North and East India was wide and if the gap became more wider it would create problems.
During the meeting with the Chief Minister , the delegates also discussed about railway connectivity to Shillong and increasing the number of flights from the state which would have big impact in the economy of the state.
Making a clarion call to improve connectivity for economy of the state to grow, he said that US business was coming to India but its going to other parts of the country and the US Government did not direct private companies as to where they should invest in India.
“It is the state which has to attract private capital,” he added.
As a part of his outreach, the Brigadier General plans to meet with defence, law enforcement and security officials, other government officials, and civil society leaders in the region.