Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the ‘Rising North East Investors Summit,’ declared the Northeastern region is experiencing unparalleled progress and that his government is committed to accelerating its development. He emphasized that the region’s diversity is its greatest asset and that it is evolving into a leader in growth.
“The Northeast is witnessing unprecedented progress. We are determined to accelerate its growth story,” Modi stated at the inauguration of the two-day summit, which drew chief ministers from the region, Union ministers, bureaucrats, and diplomats, as well as prominent industry figures like Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Anil Agarwal.
Modi defined his government’s approach as “EAST” – “Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform.” He highlighted the shift in perception, noting, “There was a time when Northeast was only called frontier, now it is frontrunner of growth.” He acknowledged a past marred by violence, which deprived young people of opportunities, but celebrated that “Over 10,000 youths in the Northeast have given up violence in last decade.” The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s “zero tolerance policy” towards terrorism and Naxalism.
Officials explained that the summit aims to showcase the Northeast as a land of opportunity, attract both global and domestic investment, and convene key stakeholders, investors, and policymakers. This event is the culmination of various preparatory activities, including roadshows, state roundtables, an ambassador’s meet, and bilateral chambers meet, all organized by the central government with support from Northeastern state governments.
The summit’s agenda includes ministerial sessions, business-to-government sessions, business-to-business meetings, and exhibitions featuring startups and policy initiatives from state governments and central ministries to promote investment. Key sectors for investment promotion include tourism and hospitality, agro-food processing, textiles, handloom and handicrafts, healthcare, education and skill development, information technology and IT-enabled services, infrastructure and logistics, energy, entertainment, and sports.
