The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) is organising the ‘Rising Northeast: The Investors Summit’ in New Delhi to showcase the investment and trade potential of the Northeast Region of India.
Key Highlights of the Investors Summit
(i) EAST Vision: Empower, Act, Strengthen, as well as Transform, as the guiding principle for development.
(a) Summit Agenda: Includes ministerial sessions, Business-to-Government (B2G) and Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, and an exhibition zone.
(b) Focus Sectors: Agri, Food Processing & Allied Sectors; Textiles, Handloom & Handicrafts; Entertainment and Sports; Education & Skill Development; Healthcare; IT & ITES; Tourism & Hospitality; Infrastructure and Logistics; and Energy.
It acts as a platform for policy deliberations, business collaborations, and investment decisions to expedite the Northeast’s growth trajectory.
Significance of the Northeast Region in the Investors Summit
Strategic Significance:
(a) Gateway to Southeast Asia: The Northeast’s proximity to Southeast Asia makes it a vital link for India’s “Act East Policy” as well as regional connectivity initiatives.
(b) Border Security: Sharing borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, the region is crucial for national security as well as foreign policy considerations.
(c) Trade and Diplomacy: The Northeast region facilitates trade and diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries, supporting India’s “Neighbourhood First” and BIMSTEC initiatives.
Economic Significance:
(a) Natural Resources: The region is rich in natural resources like hydropower, oil, natural gas, and various mineral deposits, offering opportunities for industrial development.
(b) Agricultural and Horticultural Potential: Abundant agricultural and horticultural resources can be leveraged for economic growth and food security.
(c) Tourism: The region’s scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, as well as cultural diversity make it a potential tourist hub, contributing to the economy.
Cultural Significance:
(a) Ethnic Diversity: The region’s numerous tribes and communities with distinct languages, cultures, and traditions enrich India’s cultural tapestry.
(b) Cultural Heritage: The region preserves unique traditions, rituals, and customs, contributing to India’s diverse cultural heritage.
(c) Social Cohesion: While ethnic diversity presents opportunities, it also poses challenges in terms of governance and social cohesion, requiring careful management.
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Challenges hampering the growth of the Northeast Region
(i) Geographical & Connectivity Issues: The region’s rugged terrain and heavy monsoons make infrastructure development difficult. Inadequate transport networks create a hindrance to trade and mobility.
(ii) Political & Ethnic Conflicts: Insurgency, as well as ethnic tensions, have historically disrupted stability. Consistent demands for autonomy and special status hamper effective governance.
(a) Naga and Mizo separatist movements gained momentum until the 1980s.
(b) ULFA and NDFB emerged in Assam, demanding autonomy and sovereignty.
(c) Infiltration from Bangladesh led to large-scale protests, culminating in the Assam Accord of 1985.
(iii) Economic Underdevelopment: The region has a share of around 3% in India’s GDP, with Assam being the leader and largest contributor. Limited industrialisation and heavy reliance on agriculture reduce the pace of economic growth.
(iv) Environmental Challenges: Natural calamities like floods, abrupt landslides devastate agriculture and infrastructure heavily. Also, Climate change threatens biodiversity and traditional livelihoods.
(v) Policy & Governance Gaps: Delayed implementation of key policies like the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya. So it demands better coordination among all the tiers of the government.
Changing Dynamics in the Northeast
(i) From Insurgency to Integration: Post-Independence, the region has always been in the clasp of insurgents. The government viewed the region mainly through a security lens, rarely focusing on development. As a consequence, people in the region became victims of alienation, both physically and emotionally.
(ii) The Look East policy: It was started by the Narasimha Rao government to foster ties with Southeast Asia. Later, Atal Bihari Vajpayee formalised this by making the DoNER Ministry in 2001. Later, the Modi government launched the Act East policy, highlighting a decisive turn in India’s regional strategy.
(iii) Ground-Level Transformation: The Northeast region is a focal point of India’s economic and geopolitical vision. Concerned ministers maintained a continuous presence in the region, as a result, bridging the emotional gap between people and the dispensation.
(iv) Infrastructure Push: Government initiatives like NESIDS and PM-DevINE aim to ameliorate physical and power infrastructure.
(v) Key Infrastructure Projects:
(a) India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (b) Kaladan Multi-Modal Transport Project (c) Revival of Stilwell Road
These initiatives aim to boost land-based trade with ASEAN. Apart from this, maritime connectivity will be more robust through the upcoming Sittwe Port (Myanmar) and the Chittagong Port (Bangladesh).
Conclusion
The ‘Rising Northeast: Investors Summit’ highlights the transformation of the most neglected region into a dynamic investment and strategic hub. With updated connectivity, committed infrastructure development, and long-lasting political engagement, the Northeast is now ready to serve as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.