Siliguri, January 13, 2026: NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman K. Bery arrived at Bagdogra Airport on Tuesday for a four-day official visit to Sikkim, where he will participate in discussions and programmes aimed at strengthening development planning and policy coordination in the North Eastern region.
Mr. Bery is accompanied by his spouse, Maitreyi Suman Bery, and Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog. The delegation’s visit, scheduled from January 13 to 16, forms part of NITI Aayog’s ongoing efforts to engage with frontier and North Eastern states on issues of governance, economic growth, and sustainable development.
A major highlight of the visit will be participation in the “Frontier State Development Workshop: Focus on North East”, a forum designed to deliberate on policy frameworks and development strategies tailored to the unique needs and challenges of frontier regions. The workshop is expected to bring together policymakers, government officials, and development experts to discuss ways of accelerating inclusive and balanced growth across the North East.
During their stay in Sikkim, the visiting dignitaries are expected to attend a series of official meetings and programme-related engagements. Discussions are likely to focus on development planning, infrastructure, socio-economic progress, and collaborative initiatives that can further strengthen the region’s growth trajectory.
Upon arrival at Bagdogra Airport, the delegation received a warm welcome from senior state officials. Those present included Sharmistha Pradhan, Additional Secretary, Home Department, Bagdogra Unit; Sonam Zangpo, Assistant Director and Liaison Officer; and Awkwanama Subba, Under Secretary, Home Department, Gangtok and Liaison Officer. Officials from the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and the Tourism Information Centre (TIC), Bagdogra Unit, were also present to receive the guests.
The visit underscores NITI Aayog’s commitment to working closely with North Eastern and frontier states to promote effective policy implementation, strengthen institutional collaboration, and support sustainable development initiatives in the region.
