Global interest in Assam: Sarma's second term promises growth; US and Singapore pledge increased cooperation for Assam's development

Guwahati: US Ambassador to India and special envoy to South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Singapore High Commissioner to India Simon Wong on Tuesday congratulated Himanta Biswa Sarma after he was sworn in as Assam chief minister for a second consecutive term, with both envoys pointing to expanded cooperation with the state.

Gor attended the swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati, held in the presence of high-profile dignitaries including PM Narendra Modi. Posting a photograph with Sarma on X, Gor wrote: “Honored to have been invited to Guwahati today to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The United States and Assam have many commercial ties, and with the CM’s leadership we will identify many more win-win scenarios for both of our nations!”

Commercial ties between Assam and the US have expanded across trade, agriculture, energy, tourism and investment promotion, with tea exports remaining a key traditional link. Assam Tea continues to find buyers in international markets including the US, and business events in New York in 2025 showcased Assam tea and connected Indian producers with American buyers.

Singapore’s High Commissioner Simon Wong also extended greetings to Sarma on X. “Big congratulations to our dear friend #himantabiswa. Your new term as chief minister will no doubt propel Assam to greater heights. As your trusted friend, we will stand by Assam as always,” Wong posted.

Assam’s engagement with Singapore has been widening beyond trade into a more structured strategic, economic and people-to-people partnership, with the state positioning itself as a gateway between India and Southeast Asia. Wong had met Sarma on February 24, 2025 and posted: “Team Singapore was honored to meet Assam’s hyper-energetic Hon’ble CM @himantabiswa close to midnight yesterday. Singapore stands ready to support his vision for Assam and the greater North East region,”


In Jan 2026, Sarma met Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum to discuss avenues for expanding cooperation. The two sides have also signed an MoU for cooperation in nursing skills development and training programmes aimed at enhancing employability opportunities for skilled workers in Singapore.