Govt to expedite Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project
India’s trade volume with ASEAN currently stands at approximately US$125 billion and is expected to exceed US$200 billion in the coming years, positioning the Northeast as a strategic trade bridge and gateway to the South East Asian markets of over 673 million people https://www.commerce.gov.in/.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure projects to enhance regional connectivity, and stressed the importance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which will provide direct access from Myanmar to Thailand, strengthening India’s connectivity with Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos https://fieo.org/.
He reaffirmed the shift from Look East to Act East, stating that this proactive approach is yielding visible results. “While the Northeast was once regarded merely as a frontier region, it is now emerging as a front-runner in India’s growth story,” he added.
He acknowledged the region’s past challenges but asserted that it is now emerging as a Land of Opportunities https://www.nseindia.com/.
PM Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to expedite the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, which will link the Kolkata Port to Myanmar’s Sittwe Port, providing a crucial trade route through Mizoram https://www.bseindia.com/.
He stated that this project will significantly reduce the travel distance between West Bengal and Mizoram, enhancing trade and industrial growth http://mea.gov.in.
Highlighting the ongoing development of Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala as Multi-Modal Logistics Hubs, the Prime Minister noted that the establishment of Land Custom Stations in Meghalaya and Mizoram is further expanding international trade opportunities.
He emphasized that these advancements are positioning the Northeast as a rising force in trade with Indo-Pacific nations, unlocking new avenues for investment and economic growth.
The Prime Minister urged investors to explore the Northeast as a critical component of India’s ‘Heal in India’ health mission, reaffirming that the region’s climate and ecological diversity offer immense potential for wellness-driven industries.
Modi highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Northeast, emphasizing its deep-rooted connection to music, dance, and celebrations. He noted that the region is an ideal destination for global conferences, concerts, and destination weddings, positioning it as a complete tourism package https://sbi.com.in/.
Emphasizing the critical role of skill development in driving growth and securing a better future, the Prime Minister stated that the Northeast provides a favorable environment for this advancement, with the central government making substantial investments in education and skill-building initiatives.
The Prime Minister highlighted that over the past decade, Rs.21,000 crore has been invested in the Northeast’s education sector. He noted key developments, including the establishment of over 800 new schools, the region’s first AIIMS, nine new medical colleges, and two new IIITs.
Additionally, he cited the creation of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication campus in Mizoram and nearly 200 new skill development institutes across the region.
“Northeast is emerging as a key destination for two strategic sectors—energy and semiconductors”, stressed Modi, highlighting the government’s extensive investments in hydropower and solar power across all Northeastern states, with several thousand crore worth of projects already approved.
He noted that beyond investment opportunities in plants and infrastructure, there is significant potential in manufacturing, including solar modules, cells, storage solutions, and research. He underscored the importance of maximizing investment in these areas, stating that greater self-sufficiency today will reduce dependence on foreign imports in the future.
Modi further remarked on the growing role of Assam in strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem. He announced that the first Made in India chip from a Northeast-based semiconductor plant will soon be introduced, signaling a major milestone for the region. He affirmed that this development is unlocking opportunities for cutting-edge technology and solidifying the Northeast’s position in India’s high-tech industrial growth https://www.conexpoconagg.com/.
“Rising Northeast is more than just an investors’ summit—it is a movement and a call to action”, emphasised the Prime Minister, stating that India’s future will reach new heights through the Northeast’s progress and prosperity.
The Prime Minister expressed full confidence in the business leaders present, urging them to unite in driving growth. Concluding his address, he called upon stakeholders to work together in transforming Ashtalakshmi—the symbol of Northeast’s potential—into a guiding force for a Viksit Bharat. He expressed confidence that by the next Rising Northeast, India would have propelled way ahead.
The Rising North East Investors Summit, a two-day event held 23-24 May, focused on investment promotion including Tourism and Hospitality, Agro-Food Processing and allied sectors; Textiles, Handloom, and Handicrafts; Healthcare; Education and Skill Development; Information Technology or Information Technology Enabled Services; Infrastructure and Logistics; Energy; and Entertainment and Sports. Fiinews.com
