Loktak Lake Visit Strengthens US‑India Ties in Manipur

Imphal, September 12 – United States Ambassador Sergio Gor embarked on a boat ride across Loktak Lake on Saturday, marking the highlight of his short Manipur tour. He arrived in the state on Friday with Consul General Cathie Giles‑Diaz from the U.S. Commercial Service in Kolkata and other dignitaries.

Loktak, situated about 48 km from Imphal, is celebrated for its floating islands known locally as "phumdi" and the stilt‑house settlements called "phum‑sang" that house local fishermen. The lake’s serene environment offers a glimpse into the region’s ecological and cultural diversity.

The ambassador met Chief Minister Yumnam Kamched Singh, commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the development of the Northeast. He also paid respects to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Lok Bhavan.

In a meeting with officials from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Gor described Manipur as a "remarkably beautiful state" and requested statistics on tourist arrivals, signalling interest in promoting the destination to international visitors. He highlighted the strong personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump, noting that the U.S. president places high value on this relationship.

Chief Minister Singh extended an invitation for Ambassador Gor to attend the upcoming Sangai Festival 2026, a ten‑day celebration from November 21 to 30 under the banner “Destination Manipur.” The festival aims to spotlight the state's handloom, crafts, fine arts, traditional games, culinary specialties, music, eco‑tourism and adventure sports.

The Loktak Lake outing underscores a deepening partnership between the United States and India’s northeastern region, with tourism and cultural exchange at the forefront.