New Delhi, 23 May (H.S.): Inaugurating the Rising North East Investors Summit, set for May 23-24 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, PM Modi heralded it as a crucial platform to showcase the Northeast as an investment-friendly destination aimed at attracting both domestic and global investors. This summit underscores the strategic intent to capitalize on the Northeast’s diverse potential and facilitate its integration into India's economic framework.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 on Friday, emphasizing the region's $200 billion trade potential. The summit aims to highlight investment opportunities and foster global partnerships for regional development. PM Modi expressed confidence in the Northeast’s bright future, stating, North East region's trade potential will grow exponentially. He recognized the presence of industry leaders at the summit, accentuating the Northeast's diverse strengths, ranging from trade and tradition to textiles and tourism.

PM Modi described the Northeast as a hub for tea production, petroleum, sports, skills development, eco-tourism, organic products, and energy. He referred to the region as 'Ashtlakshmi,' meaning it holds significant potential for investment and leadership, reinforced by its rich resources. Reflecting on the transformations over the past decade, he pointed out that the changes in the Northeast are rooted in grassroots development, stating, northeast's transformation is not just numbers but a grassroots level change.

The Prime Minister mentioned that extensive visits by cabinet ministers to the region have fostered trust in the government’s developmental policies, with over 700 ministerial visits contributing to this trust-building.PM Modi underscored the importance of seamless connectivity in enhancing trade, remarking, Trade grows in regions with seamless connectivity, and highlighted the ongoing infrastructure revolution. He noted major infrastructure achievements, including the construction of 11,000 kilometers of highways and the establishment of a 16,000-kilometer North East Gas Grid in just a decade.

The Prime Minister pointed out that, historically viewed as a frontier region, the Northeast is now becoming a frontrunner in growth, driven by enhanced infrastructure that boosts tourism and investor confidence. PM Modi stated that an infrastructure revolution is underway in the Northeast, transforming it into a region full of opportunities and strengthened connectivity.

PM Modi also underscored the Northeast's critical role in bolstering India's semiconductor ecosystem, impressing upon the region's significance in the broader development narrative of the country. He reiterated the power of its diversity, where trade and tradition intertwine and create robust avenues for economic growth.

Calling the Northeast “Ashtalakshmi,” Modi noted that the region’s states are eager for investment and leadership, underlining their readiness for progress. He declared that developing Eastern India, with the Northeast as a pivotal component, is essential for achieving a Viksit Bharat or developed India, promoting a vision where the word “EAST” encapsulates the ideas of Empowerment, Action, Strength, and Transformation.

The Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025, organized by the central government with state support, follows a series of preparatory activities like roadshows and bilateral meetings. The event aims to attract global partnerships and boost regional development, showcasing the Northeast's potential to international investors. Modi concluded by reiterating the diversity of the Northeast as its greatest asset, further advocating for its economic potential.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar