US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor arrived in Imphal for a two-day visit, marking a high-level diplomatic engagement in Manipur and opening discussions around stronger economic and tourism cooperation between the state and the United States.
Accompanied by US Consul General in Kolkata Kathy Giles-Diaz, Gor visited Ema Keithel, the historic all-women market in the heart of Imphal. Dating back to the 16th century, the market is known as ‘Mother’s Market’, with the ambassador interacting with women vendors during his visit.
Gor also visited Kangla Fort, an important historical and archaeological site that served as the administrative centre of the erstwhile Kingdom of Manipur. The visits highlighted some of Imphal’s prominent cultural and heritage attractions.
The ambassador later met Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh at the Secretariat, where discussions covered opportunities to strengthen economic ties between the US, India and Manipur. Tourism and allied sectors were highlighted as potential areas for future development and cooperation.
Gor said the two sides exchanged ideas on expanding economic engagement and noted the Chief Minister’s invitation to return for the Manipur Sangai Festival. Singh also expressed confidence that engagement between Manipur and the US would strengthen in the coming years.
Gor subsequently met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at his official residence, where they discussed the importance of continued US-India engagement. The visit comes as Manipur continues to navigate challenges linked to the ongoing ethnic conflict, while tourism remains an important area of potential economic development.