A day before attending the Jhumoir Binandini & Advantage Assam 2.0, a delegation of 60 ambassadors and high commissioners, including Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, arrived in Jorhat. This gathering of global diplomats under the leadership of EAM marked a significant moment of diplomatic engagement, as the delegation was set to experience two consecutive grand events as well as visit to Assam’s most cherished natural treasure—Kaziranga National Park (KNP).
The next morning, the diplomats were greeted with the serene beauty of Assam’s lush landscapes as they embarked on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Kaziranga. Known for its rich biodiversity and as a UNESCO World Heritage site, KNP is home to some of the most iconic and endangered species in the world, including the one-horned rhinoceros. These envoys embarked on an elephant safari through the park’s central range at Kohora, while EAM Jaishankar rode the renowned elephant, Pradyumna.
After the thrilling elephant safari, the delegation enjoyed a jeep safari through the UNESCO World Heritage site and keenly enjoyed the magnificent wildlife creatures inside the park.
The Union Minister and many diplomats also took the opportunity to feed the elephants, engaging in a moment of camaraderie with the Park’s gentle giants.
Mentioning the experience as adbhut (amazing), the EAM said, “We were fortunate to witness various animals, including the one-horned rhinoceros, water buffaloes and different species of deer. Until now, we had only read about them in books or seen them in films, but experiencing them in their natural habitat is unparalleled.”
The EAM shared his satisfaction over the increasing number of visitors to Kaziranga, “I have been informed by officials that over three lakh tourists have visited KNP this season. This is a highly encouraging trend. Our aim is to enhance the international profile of Assam and other North Eastern states, not only for tourism but also for investment.”
Describing this as a lifetime experience, Christain Kamil, Charge d’ Affaires at the Embassy of Sweden in India, said, “I am so happy to join this trip. I will carry this experience all my life. It’s my second visit to Assam. It is also a great opportunity to let the diplomatic corps know each other closely.”
High Commissioner of Guyana Dharam Kumar Dheeraj spoke highly about the nation’s leadership in promoting sustainable & environment friendly energy development.
“I have been very encouraged by the trip. My Government is also pushing for a sustainable, environment friendly, renewable energy economy path of development. This trip has made me think about what the world needs to do,” he added.
The Guyanese High Commissioner was touched by the way animals are kept & treated in the Park. “I am particularly impressed that the Park is managed and animals are treated.”
An official of the KNP, while speaking to the newsletter said, “The event marks a significant moment in international relations, as several diplomats together experienced first-hand the splendour of India’s natural heritage.
Director KNP Sonali Ghosh said, “It was one of the biggest delegation of dignitaries that we had ever received in recent times. The additional challenge was to conduct the field visits with clockwork precision in limited time as they had multiple events lined up. We started preparing by first planning a minute-to-minute itinerary. The logistics, including the line-up of safari vehicles, elephants, certified tour guides, guards and equipment (Binoculars, scopes, etc).”
According to the official, the event was designed to offer the foreign envoys a deeper understanding of India’s ongoing conservation efforts, “Besides the safaris, the dignitaries were treated to cultural performances and local Assamese hospitality, enhancing the diplomatic significance of the event.”
While the safaris served as a diplomatic initiative to foster stronger international ties, it also sent a message about India’s commitment to safeguarding its natural resources.
Minister Atul Bora, who accompanied the delegation posted in X, “The pristine natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the world-famous national park of Assam mesmerised every visitor. I firmly believe that their esteemed presence will positively contribute to the growth of Kaziranga’s tourism sector. My deepest respect and gratitude to them all.”
