Northeast Summit 2025 Ascension: Prime Minister Modi Declares Northeast Region as India's Burgeoning Economic Motor, Emphasizes Increased Investment in Agriculture, Commerce, and Infrastructure Development
The Northeast region of India, known for its rich diversity and unique industries, took centre stage at the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 held in New Delhi on May 23, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the region's potential and encouraged stakeholders to tap into its natural biodiversity, organic living, and various sectors to create a globally appealing destination.
The Prime Minister began by highlighting the international recognition that the Northeast's organic produce is gaining, with global demand for organic products on the rise. He also mentioned the region's critical role in energy production, particularly through solar and hydropower projects, and the development of the Northeast Gas Grid, providing consistent energy for industries.
Modi also spoke about the Northeast's diverse trade, tradition, textiles, tourism, eco-tourism, and organic farming industries. He promoted the region as a key pillar of the "Heal in India" initiative, encouraging investors to capitalise on the region's natural biodiversity and organic living to create a wellness destination.
Infrastructure support, such as food parks, cold storage, and labs, is being developed to support food processing industries in the Northeast. The Prime Minister also detailed massive infrastructure investments, including the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge in Assam, 11,000 kilometers of highways, new railway lines, more airports, and digital networks.
The Prime Minister expressed pride and confidence in the future of the Northeast, calling it a vital contributor to India's vision of becoming a developed nation. He also credited peace agreements and developmental outreach for transforming the region, with over 10,000 youth giving up arms and embracing peace in the Northeast over the past decade.
The Prime Minister also praised the rise of startups and digital innovation in the Northeast, calling it India's emerging digital gateway. He underscored the Eastern region's role in achieving the dream of a "Viksit Bharat," with "EAST" standing for Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform.
The summit also highlighted India's first sports university being built in the Northeast under the Khelo India mission, and the region's potential as emerging multi-modal logistics hubs in Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala.
The Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 was graced by prominent dignitaries including Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia, governors, and chief ministers of all eight Northeastern states. The summit focused on various sectors such as tourism, agriculture, healthcare, energy, IT, logistics, and involved discussions among industry leaders and policymakers.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of connectivity with Southeast Asia, reaffirming the government's commitment to key projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project.
In a significant development, the Prime Minister announced that India's first semiconductor chip from a Northeast-based plant will soon be launched, signalling a giant leap for high-tech industry in the region.
The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 marked a significant step towards realising the potential of the Northeast region and attracting much-needed investment to drive its growth and development.
The Prime Minister urged investors to consider the region's growing high-tech sector, specifically mentioning the upcoming launch of India's first semiconductor chip from a Northeast-based plant.
Modi also encouraged investment in the energy sector, noting the Northeast's role in energy production through solar, hydropower projects, and the development of the Northeast Gas Grid.
