The Government of Nagaland, through the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), hosted a Roundtable with visiting Indian Foreign Service Officers (IFS) at Hotel De Oriental Grand, Kohima, on 2nd September 2025.
The meeting was chaired by Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman, IDAN, Abu Metha, and attended by Ministers, Advisors, senior officials, and stakeholders from multiple departments.
The special guests included High Commissioner of India to Maputo, Mozambique, Robert Shetkintong, and Consul General of India in Vancouver, Canada, R. Masakui, who are on a State Attachment as part of the Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP-III) of the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service.
Abu Metha welcomed the dignitaries and participants, highlighting Nagaland’s transformation from a conflict-driven narrative to a state of opportunities in culture, sports, and tourism. He emphasized Nagaland’s role as a gateway in the Asian Century, with new confidence among its youth, and called for leveraging Indian Missions abroad to showcase Nagaland’s strengths.
Minister for Tourism & Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, underlined Nagaland’s uniqueness with over 2,000 vibrant villages, its safe environment for women, and the state’s aspiration for prosperity. He stressed the need to nurture Nagaland’s creative economy, strengthen employment opportunities, and harness the state’s cultural and social capital for growth.
Presentations by IDAN and TaFMA (Task Force for Music & Arts) showcased Nagaland’s potential in music, arts, handloom, handicrafts, film, and festivals such as the Hornbill Festival. TaFMA highlighted Nagaland’s growing global footprint through partnerships, training, and international performances.
Discussions emphasized sports as a major driver of youth empowerment. The Chairman announced that Nagaland will host the World Belt Wrestling Championship in November 2025. Opportunities for collaboration in traditional sports, e-sports, and exchange programs for athletes and coaches were explored.
R. Masakui highlighted the importance of aligning Nagaland’s strengths with India’s Act East Policy, promoting educational exchanges, indigenous knowledge, and branding of unique Naga products for global recognition.
Robert Shetkintong encouraged Nagaland to expand cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion, and market linkages for artisans and entrepreneurs. He cited opportunities for Naga artists and performers to participate in global cultural platforms.
Legislators, senior officers, and stakeholders shared insights on promoting private sector participation, enhancing education with global best practices, supporting handicrafts and handloom exports, and expanding indigenous knowledge systems.
The Roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to position Nagaland as a hub of the creative economy in Asia, driven by convergence of culture, sports, tourism, and innovation. The Government of Nagaland expressed gratitude to the visiting officers and reaffirmed that their insights and facilitation through Indian Missions abroad will play a key role in connecting Nagaland to global opportunities.
(Takumpula Longkumer, IA & Kazihito, IA)
