New Delhi, May 23, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, emphasizing the transformative journey of India’s Northeast from a neglected frontier to a vibrant engine of economic growth. In a stirring address attended by state leaders, ministers, and investors, PM Modi positioned the Northeast as a strategic growth zone and a beacon of opportunity for the nation’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
“The Northeast is the most diverse region of our diverse nation,” the Prime Minister said, underscoring its unique potential in trade, textiles, eco-tourism, organic farming, and high-tech industries. He reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to making Eastern India, and particularly the Northeast, the cornerstone of India’s developmental journey. “For us, EAST stands for Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform,” he declared.
From Frontier to Front-Runner of North East Investors Summit
PM Modi recalled that not long ago, the Northeast was considered a remote frontier—isolated and underdeveloped. “Today, it is emerging as the front-runner of growth,” he stated. His speech celebrated the shift from Look East to Act East, citing over 700 ministerial visits to the region as evidence of deeper engagement and emotional connectivity with its people.
Highlighting sweeping infrastructure upgrades, the Prime Minister spoke of transformative projects such as the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge in Assam, and the development of 11,000 km of highways, new railway lines, doubled airport capacity, and a 1,600-km Northeast Gas Grid. These projects, he noted, have laid the groundwork for seamless trade, tourism, and industry expansion, positioning the Northeast as India’s “gateway to ASEAN.”
Investment and Tourism Potential
Calling the Northeast a “complete tourism package,” PM Modi invited global and domestic investors to tap into opportunities in eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and wellness industries. With the “Heal in India” campaign gaining momentum globally, the Prime Minister identified the region’s rich biodiversity, clean environment, and organic lifestyle as unique selling points for wellness-driven investments.
The PM noted a doubling of tourist arrivals in the Northeast, driven by improved connectivity, homestays, and growing entrepreneurial ventures in the hospitality sector. He hailed this as a socio-economic revolution that is creating jobs and empowering youth.
A Hub for Strategic Sectors
In a bold vision for the future, PM Modi announced that the Northeast is becoming a strategic hub for two high-potential sectors: energy and semiconductors. With thousands of crores invested in hydropower and solar projects, and the emergence of Assam as a semiconductor ecosystem, the region is set to host the first Made in India semiconductor chip from a Northeast-based plant.
He emphasized that developing manufacturing capabilities in solar modules, storage solutions, and semiconductors would reduce India’s import dependency while placing the Northeast at the forefront of India’s technological transformation.
Empowering Youth and Expanding Education
PM Modi stressed the centrality of skill development in national progress. Over the last decade, ₹21,000 crore has been invested in education and training in the Northeast. New AIIMS, IIITs, 800+ schools, and nearly 200 skill development institutes have been established, alongside a sports university and 250+ Khelo India centers.
“Young entrepreneurs from the Northeast are no longer just internet users, but digital innovators,” said Modi, noting the surge in startups, enhanced 4G/5G coverage, and optical fiber expansion.
Peace, Prosperity, and Organic Growth
The Prime Minister asserted that the region’s development hinges on peace and political stability. With a “zero tolerance policy for terrorism,” the government has facilitated over 10,000 youth in renouncing arms, enabling them to embrace peace and development. Schemes like MUDRA have financially empowered lakhs of aspiring entrepreneurs.
He also emphasized the export potential of Northeast’s organic produce—including tea, pineapple, turmeric, and ginger—driven by rising global demand. Government initiatives like the Oil Palm Mission are further aimed at transforming the region into a hub for food processing and agro-industry.
Northeast: India’s Rising Star
Calling the Rising Northeast not just a summit but a “movement and a call to action,” PM Modi urged business leaders, investors, and policymakers to partner in the transformation of the Northeast into a global growth engine.
“Ashtalakshmi—the symbol of Northeast’s potential—must become the driving force of a Viksit Bharat,” he concluded, expressing hope that by the next summit, India and its Northeast will have reached new heights of prosperity.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event witnessed participation from prominent leaders including Union Minister for DoNER Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Chief Ministers of all eight Northeastern states, and several other dignitaries. The summit, scheduled for May 23-24, features sessions on tourism, food processing, IT, healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy, and sports. Pre-summit activities included state roadshows, Ambassador Meets, and B2B dialogues.
For more details check press release on PIB website.
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