New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today.
Addressing a meeting of top industry leaders, government officials, and dignitaries from across India and abroad, the Prime Minister labelled the event as a celebration of investment in India’s vibrant and rapidly transforming North Eastern Region.
Welcoming participants, the Prime Minister expressed his pride and sureness in the region's capacities. He recognised the efforts of various ministries and state governments in fostering an investment-friendly environment and much-admired their role in organizing the Summit.
“The Northeast is not just a frontier anymore—it is now a front-runner in India’s growth story,” he declared
A Vision for the East
Stress the government's focused approach, PM Modi said, “For us, EAST stands for Empower, Act, Strengthen and Transform.” He emphasised that Eastern India, with the Northeast as its nucleus, is playing a pivotal role in India’s development narrative.
He reiterated the central government’s commitment to transforming the region’s infrastructure, economy, and global standing. “The Northeast is a complete package for tourism,” he added, citing its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecology, and warm hospitality.
From Look East to Act East
Describing the conversion witnessed in the past decade, PM Modi underlined that development in the Northeast is not just statistical but visible on the ground. Over 700 ministerial visits, infrastructure projects like the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge in Assam, and the expansion of highways, railways, airports, and mobile networks underscore the government’s resolve.
The Prime Minister outlined key initiatives, including the 1,600 km-long Northeast Gas Grid, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project. These, he said, will position the Northeast as a strategic gateway to ASEAN and Indo-Pacific markets.
Investment Opportunities Abound
PM Modi underlined the Northeast’s emerging stature in vital sectors such as energy and semiconductors. “The region is fast becoming a hub for hydropower, solar energy, and advanced semiconductor manufacturing,” he said. He revealed that the first Made-in-India semiconductor chip from a Northeast-based plant will be introduced soon—marking a significant milestone for India's tech ecosystem.
He encouraged global investors to seize first-mover advantages in sectors ranging from agro-food processing to eco-tourism and organic farming. “The global demand for organic food is rising. I envision Indian food brands—particularly from the Northeast—on every dining table in the world,” he stated.
Peace and Progress
Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and insurgency, PM Modi highlighted the Northeast’s improved law and order situation. “More than 10,000 youths have left violence behind and joined the mainstream in the last decade,” he said, adding that peace has unlocked new economic and employment chances.
He pointed to initiatives like the MUDRA scheme and the rise of local startups as examples of growing youth engagement in entrepreneurship and innovation. With over 13,000 km of optical fiber laid and the expansion of 4G and 5G networks, the region is also emerging as a digital innovation zone.
Building Talent, Building the Future
Focusing on human capital, the Prime Minister shared that Rs. 21,000 crore has been invested in the region’s education subdivision over the past 10 years. New institutions including AIIMS, medical colleges, IIITs, IIMC campuses, and nearly 200 skill development institutes are now operational. “The Northeast is producing top-tier talent for industries worldwide,” he affirmed.
He also emphasised sports development under the Khelo India initiative, noting the establishment of India’s first sports university and over 250 Khelo India Centres across the region.
“Rising Northeast” – A Movement, Not Just a Summit
Calling the Summit more than an event, PM Modi said, “Rising Northeast is a movement, a call to action.” He invited stakeholders to partner in transforming the Northeast’s promise into performance and power. “Ashtalakshmi is not just a symbol—it is a commitment. Let us make it a guiding force for a Viksit Bharat,” he concluded.
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Illustrious Presence
The Summit witnessed participation from Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Chief Ministers from all eight Northeastern states, senior Union Ministers, governors, business leaders, and international delegates.
About the Summit
The Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 is a two-day event (May 23–24) aimed at projecting the Northeast as a land of limitless opportunity. It features high-level plenary sessions, B2B and B2G meetings, and exhibitions.
The summit emphases on segments such as tourism, agro-processing, textiles, healthcare, education, IT, infrastructure, energy, and sports and entertainment.
The event is a decision of wide outreach activities, including roadshows and diplomatic actions, organised by the central government with active provision from the Northeast state governments.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
