Nagaland: IDAN roundtable builds momentum for global partnerships

Nagaland marked a significant step in strengthening its global outreach as the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) hosted the inaugural Roundtable & Networking Dinner on November 30 at Hotel Vivor, Kohima.
The event brought together diplomats, business delegations, international agencies and senior officials from Austria, France, Ireland, Malta, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, with Arunachal Pradesh as the State Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025. The roundtable served as a platform for investment dialogue, sectoral collaboration and long-term international cooperation.
Chairing the roundtable, advisor to the chief minister and IDAN chairman Abu Metha welcomed the delegates and highlighted Nagaland’s cultural richness, historical significance and collective aspiration for global partnerships. Presenting traditional Naga shawls to dignitaries, he underscored the unity of the Naga people and showcased audio-visual presentations on Nagaland and France.
Tourism and higher education minister Temjen Imna Along expressed gratitude to the international delegations and spoke on sustainable tourism, peace and the cultural warmth of the Naga people.
French ambassador Thierry Mathou highlighted France’s expanding engagement with India and expressed interest in partnering with Nagaland in innovation, technology, hospitality, education, fashion, media and digital sectors.
He introduced leading French companies and invited Naga start-ups to participate in the France–India Year of Innovation 2026. He also conveyed France’s willingness to introduce French language education in selected schools in the State.
Ireland’s ambassador Kevin Kelly, leading a 14-member delegation, drew parallels between Ireland and India and highlighted Ireland’s economic transformation. Expressing interest in long-term collaboration, he identified opportunities in sports, enterprise, education and culture.
Austrian Trade Commissioner Hans-Joerg Hoertnagl stated that four Austrian companies were present for the Hornbill Festival and expressed interest in the State’s Start-Up ecosystem, skill development and dairy sector.
British Council director Debanjan Chakrabarti highlighted the 2025–2035 roadmap for cultural, academic and research collaborations and noted the establishment of branch campuses by nine UK universities in India under new education agreements.
A representative of Toyota, Sandeep, highlighted the company’s seven-year engagement with Nagaland through CSR initiatives in education, health and community development.
Enterprise Ireland director Ross Curan noted strong potential in agriculture, horticulture, food processing, genetics, cold-chain development and bamboo-based engineering solutions.
Former World Cup player and coach Terry Phelan expressed his interest in grassroots football development and opening pathways for Naga youth.
Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan highlighted that agriculture contributes 27% of Nagaland’s GSDP and emphasized the State’s organic farming, rich biodiversity and investment opportunities in food processing, feed production, climate resilience and market linkages.
Advisor for School Education & SCERT Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome said Nagaland stood at an important educational juncture under NEP 2020 and welcomed international collaboration.
Delivering the concluding remarks, advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu expressed gratitude to the participating countries and said the event symbolised Nagaland’s renewed commitment to long-term global partnerships. She highlighted ongoing initiatives in Industry 4.0, Future Skills and AI, and expressed confidence that the engagements during the Hornbill Festival would evolve into lasting collaborations.
The roundtable concluded on a note of optimism, positioning Nagaland as an emerging hub for international diplomacy, economic partnerships, innovation and youth-focused development.