The North News
New Delhi, May 23
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday emphasised the importance of peace and stability as essential for the development of India’s Northeast region, which has historically been affected by conflict and insurgency. Speaking at the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 held in New Delhi on Friday, Modi said his government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and insurgency. He noted that the region, once known for blockades and violence, has seen significant progress over the last decade.
The Prime Minister highlighted that more than 10,000 young people in the Northeast have abandoned armed groups in recent years to pursue peaceful livelihoods. He attributed this positive change to peace agreements and government initiatives aimed at economic development and youth empowerment.
Mr Modi also pointed to the role of government schemes such as MUDRA, which has provided financial assistance to thousands of young entrepreneurs in the region. Education and skill development have also improved, helping the youth to participate actively in the digital economy.
He stressed the expansion of digital infrastructure, including over 13,000 kilometres of optical fibre networks, and the growth of 4G and 5G connectivity. According to the Prime Minister, the Northeast is emerging as India’s digital gateway, with young entrepreneurs launching startups and contributing to the region’s economic growth.
The Prime Minister outlined the government’s vision for Eastern India under the acronym EAST — Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform — describing the Northeast as a vital component of India’s broader development goals. He said the government’s engagement with the region goes beyond policy, with more than 700 visits by Union Ministers over the past decade demonstrating a close connection to the people and their aspirations.
Infrastructure development was a key focus of the summit, with Mr Modi highlighting projects like the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge in Assam. He said the government has invested heavily in highways, railways, airports, waterways, and telecommunications, helping to improve connectivity and attract investment.
He also drew attention to the Northeast Gas Grid, a 1,600-kilometre pipeline network that ensures a reliable energy supply for industries in the region.
Mr Modi said that these infrastructure projects have positioned the Northeast to seize the “First Mover Advantage” and that the region’s trade potential will expand significantly in the coming years. He highlighted India’s trade with ASEAN countries, which currently stands at around $125 billion and is expected to grow beyond $200 billion.
The Prime Minister underscored the strategic importance of connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, which link India’s northeastern states to Southeast Asia, enhancing trade and industrial growth.
“These corridors are crucial to strengthening India’s ties with neighbouring countries and expanding economic opportunities for the region,” he said.
Modi concluded by stressing that the Northeast, once seen as a remote frontier, is now becoming a key driver in India’s growth story.
