Northeast Rising: India's Gateway to Growth and Prosperity

Image-pmindia

Northeast Rising: India's Gateway to Growth and Prosperity

The air in Guwahati, Assam, was electric today as the "Rising Northeast" summit kicked off, marking a pivotal moment for India's ambitious journey towards a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). With Union Cabinet ministers, Chief Ministers from all eight Northeastern states, and a galaxy of industry leaders in attendance, the event wasn't just a conference; it was a powerful declaration of intent and a celebration of the region's burgeoning potential.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, addressing the gathering, radiated confidence in the Northeast's future, emphasizing its unique position as India's "Ashtalakshmi" – eight forms of prosperity. He highlighted the region's incredible diversity, from its rich bio-economy and tea production to its emerging prowess in sports, eco-tourism, and organic products. "The Northeast is a powerhouse of energy," he affirmed, "ready for investment, ready to lead."

For the government, "EAST" is more than just a direction; it stands for "Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform." This philosophy has propelled the Northeast to the forefront of national development. The Prime Minister underscored the unprecedented engagement from the central government, with ministers visiting the region over 700 times in the last decade, fostering a bond "from the heart" rather than just through schemes.

The transformation is palpable. What was once considered a "frontier region" is rapidly becoming a "front-runner of growth." An "Infrastructure Revolution" is underway, with hundreds of thousands of crores invested. From the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh to the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge in Assam, 11,000 kilometers of new highways, hundreds of kilometers of new railway lines, and a doubling of airports in just ten years paint a picture of seamless connectivity. The Northeast Gas Grid, a 1,600-kilometer pipeline, ensures reliable energy supply for industries, while waterways on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers are being developed. This comprehensive network of highways, railways, waterways, and i-ways is preparing the ground for industries to seize the "First Mover Advantage."

Beyond internal connectivity, the Northeast is strategically positioned to become a crucial "gateway to ASEAN." With trade volume between India and ASEAN projected to surpass $200 billion in the coming years, projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project are set to unlock unprecedented trade potential, linking India directly with Southeast Asian nations. Cities like Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala are being developed as multi-modal logistics hubs, further enhancing the region's trade capabilities with Indo-Pacific countries.

The summit also shone a spotlight on the Northeast's immense potential in the "Heal in India" mission. With its rich biodiversity and natural wellness offerings, the region is an ideal destination for holistic healthcare and organic living.

Tourism, too, is experiencing a boom. The Northeast's vibrant culture, music, and dance make it a prime location for global conferences, concerts, and destination weddings. The positive impact of development is already evident, with tourist numbers doubling and a thriving ecosystem of homestays, guides, and tour operators emerging.

A cornerstone of this progress has been the commitment to peace and law & order. The government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and insurgency has led to over 10,000 youth laying down arms in the last decade, choosing the path of development. This newfound stability is fostering an environment where youth are embracing entrepreneurship and digital innovation. The Northeast is fast becoming India's "digital gateway," powered by extensive optical fiber networks and 4G/5G coverage.

Furthermore, massive investments in education and skill development are cultivating a highly capable workforce. With new AIIMS, medical colleges, IIITs, and the country's first Sports University, the region is nurturing talent across various sectors.

The global demand for organic food and holistic healthcare presents a significant opportunity for the Northeast. The region's exceptional produce, from tea to pineapples and turmeric, is poised to capture international markets. The government is actively supporting food processing units, cold storage networks, and the Oil Palm Mission to further boost this sector.

Finally, the Northeast is emerging as a critical hub for energy and semiconductors. With substantial investments in hydropower and solar power, coupled with the upcoming "Made-in-India" chip from a semiconductor plant in Assam, the region is at the forefront of India's technological and energy independence.

The "Rising Northeast" summit is not just an investors' meeting; it's a "movement" – a collective endeavor to harness the region's immense potential and contribute significantly to a 'Viksit Bharat'. The enthusiasm and commitment witnessed today assure that the next summit will undoubtedly herald even greater achievements. The Northeast is truly rising, and with it, the future of India shines brighter.

(Source-pmo)