PM Modi said the Northeast is now a “frontrunner of growth,” not a “frontier region,” and urged investments in its eight states.
At the Rising Northeast Summit, he said the region has vast economic and industrial potential and will become India’s gateway to Southeast Asia trade in the next decade.
A recent order closed some land ports with Bangladesh to boost local supply chains and manufacturing in the Northeast.
Modi praised the region’s diversity in people, culture, and products, calling it the most diverse part of India.
Key growth sectors include bamboo, tea, petroleum, bio-economy, eco-tourism, and sports; the region was called a “powerhouse of energy.”
India is building infrastructure to link the Northeast directly with Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos to strengthen Indo-Pacific trade ties.
“East” stands for Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform — the government’s policy focus for eastern India.
Over 700 visits by Union Ministers in the last decade reflect the “Act East” policy shift and commitment to regional development.
Chief Ministers from several Northeast states attended the summit, showing broad support.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s adviser called the Northeast “landlocked” and offered Bangladesh as a gateway to the ocean, upsetting India.
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