PM Modi described the Northeast as the most diverse part of India. Called it a “complete package for tourism”, encompassing:
- Eco-tourism
- Tea and bamboo industries
- Bio-economy
- Petroleum resources
- Sports and skill development
- Organic product hub
- Ideal for global events: conferences, concerts, and destination weddings
Vision for the East: E.A.S.T.
- EAST as a vision: Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform
- Northeast positioned at the heart of India’s “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) mission.
- Region considered a strategic growth frontier.
Massive Infrastructure Push
- Over ₹21,000 crore invested in the education sector in 10 years.
- Key projects:
- Sela Tunnel (Arunachal Pradesh) and Bhupen Hazarika Bridge (Assam)
- 11,000 km of new highways
- Doubling of airport numbers
- Expansion of railway lines
- Development of waterways on Brahmaputra and Barak
- 1,600-km Northeast Gas Grid
- Hundreds of mobile towers installed
- Development of multi-modal logistics hubs: Guwahati, Imphal, Agartala
Connectivity and Trade
- Focus on India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
- Fast-tracking Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project:
- Links Kolkata Port to Sittwe Port (Myanmar) via Mizoram
- Establishing Land Custom Stations in Meghalaya and Mizoram
- Projected increase in India-ASEAN trade from $125B to $200B+
- Northeast seen as a gateway to ASEAN markets
Peace, Security, and Governance
- Zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and insurgency
- Past decade saw 10,000+ youth abandon arms and return to mainstream
- Peace agreements pivotal in transforming the region
- Emotional integration prioritized along with physical infrastructure
Education and Skill Development
- Major developments include:
- 800+ new schools
- Region’s first AIIMS
- 9 new medical colleges
- 2 IIITs
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (Mizoram)
- 200 skill development institutes
Technology and Industry
- Assam to play a key role in India’s semiconductor ecosystem
- Announcement: First Made in India chip from a Northeast-based plant
- Boost to high-tech manufacturing and cutting-edge innovation
Modi invoked “Ashtalakshmi” – representing the eight Northeastern states. Urged all stakeholders to harness the region’s potential to drive a Viksit Bharat
