Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and discussed ways to strengthen the Centre's Act East Policy while exploring Assam's potential role in enhancing trade and tourism ties with neighbouring countries.Sharing details of the meeting, which took place at EAM's official residence, on social media platform X, Sarma described the interaction as insightful and said Jaishankar's perspective on global affairs and India's approach to current geopolitical challenges was always enlightening."This morning, I had the pleasure to call upon Hon'ble External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar ji. His perspective on global affairs and how India is navigating current geopolitical headwinds is always enlightening," the Chief Minister said.Read More: Centre sanctions CISF cover for NATGRID Bengaluru campusSarma said he thanked the EAM for sharing his insights on further strengthening India's Act East Policy, a key initiative aimed at deepening India's engagement with countries in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.The Chief Minister also expressed hope for continued guidance from Jaishankar on how Assam can contribute to strengthening trade and tourism linkages with neighbouring nations, leveraging the state's strategic location as a gateway to the Northeast and Southeast Asia.The discussions come amid ongoing efforts to boost regional connectivity, cross-border commerce and economic cooperation under the Act East framework, with Assam expected to play an increasingly important role in advancing these objectives. Sarma on Sunday met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed ways to position Assam as a key player in the country's defence ecosystem.Read More: 13 nations, 400 personnel take part in Exercise PRAGATI 2026 in MeghalayaSharing details of the meeting on social media platform X, Sarma said it was 'always enriching' to meet the senior leader and lauded Singh's experience as an administrator, public servant and party worker."He is a powerhouse of wisdom and knowledge. We have so much to learn from his vast experience as an excellent administrator, a dedicated public servant and a veteran karyakarta," the Chief Minister wrote.During the meeting, Sarma thanked the Defence Minister for his campaign efforts during the Assam Assembly elections and sought his blessings and guidance for the state's future development.The Chief Minister said he also discussed the need to position Assam as a major player in the defence sector in the years ahead, in line with the state's growing focus on industrial development and strategic infrastructure.The meeting comes amid the Centre's push to strengthen defence manufacturing and enhance indigenous production capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.