US envoy attends Himanta Sarma's oath ceremony, sees stronger trade ties

US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy to South and Central Asia Sergio Gor on Tuesday said the United States is looking to further strengthen commercial ties with Assam under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

After attending Sarma's swearing-in ceremony in Guwahati, Gor said he was "honoured" to be invited to the event and expressed optimism about expanding trade and investment opportunities between Assam and the US.

"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," Gor wrote on X.

The envoy also shared photographs from the ceremony, including a picture with Sarma, who took oath as Assam Chief Minister for a second consecutive term after the BJP-led NDA secured a decisive victory in the Assembly elections.

The presence of the US envoy at the high-profile ceremony is being viewed as significant amid growing international interest in Assam and the Northeast, particularly in sectors such as trade, connectivity, energy and investment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sarma and described him as a "wonderful administrator" who has carried out "pioneering work" for Assam.

"A great day for Assam! For the third consecutive time, the NDA Government assumes office. Congratulations to Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma Ji on taking oath. He has made a mark as a wonderful administrator and has done pioneering work for the state," Modi posted on X.

Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy at the ceremony held in Khanapara, Guwahati, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and several senior BJP and NDA leaders.

Along with Sarma, former Union Minister Rameswar Teli, AGP president Atul Bora, UPPL leader Charan Boro and BJP leader Ajanta Neog also took oath as ministers.

(With inputs from IANS)