From conflict to connectivity: North East India’s transformation story

By Niwedita

“The Northeast is not just the gateway to Southeast Asia — it is the growth engine of New India.”
— Prime Minister Narendra Modi, May 2025, Rising North East Summit

A Region Reborn

Long relegated to the periphery of India’s developmental map, the North Eastern Region (NER) has undergone a quiet but remarkable transformation over the past decade. Once marked by insurgency, neglect, and inaccessibility, it is now emerging as a strategic, economic, and cultural powerhouse. From enhanced connectivity to historic peace accords, this Ashta Lakshmi region — the eight gems of India — is finally getting its due.

🕊️ Peace First, Progress Follows

The bedrock of Northeast India’s transformation has been the successful resolution of long-standing insurgencies through a series of peace agreements.

✅ Major Peace Accords Since 2014:

• NSCN (IM) Framework Agreement – 2015

• Bodo Peace Accord – 2020

• Karbi Anglong Accord – 2021

• ULFA & Adivasi Peace Accords – 2023

• NLFT & ATTF Tripura Pact – 2024

These agreements have led to:

• Sharp decline in violence and militancy

• Gradual withdrawal of AFSPA

• Opening up of investment corridors and civil governance

🛤️ Reconnecting a Region

With “Transformation by Transportation” as a guiding principle, the Northeast has been physically and digitally connected to the rest of India like never before.

🏗️ Infrastructure Highlights:

• 10 New Greenfield Airports

• Bogibeel Bridge – India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge

• PM-DevINE Scheme – ₹6,600 crore outlay for holistic development

• NESIDS Projects – Roads, water, healthcare in remote districts

• Ro-Ro Ferry Services on the Brahmaputra for seamless cargo & passenger movement

🚆 In 2024, Mizoram witnessed its first-ever train trial run — a moment that marked history.⚡ Powering the Northeast

To utilize its immense water resources, the region is being developed as India’s next hydropower hub.

⚙️ Key Initiatives:

• ₹4,136 crore Hydropower Equity Support Scheme (2024)

• 15,000 MW target capacity by 2032

• Streamlined approvals for hydro projects

• Integration into the national power grid

💼 Investment Rush: Northeast Goes Global

The Rising North East Investors Summit (May 2025) marked a turning point. Attended by over 80 countries, the summit received investment interest worth ₹4.3 lakh crore.

🔍 Focus Areas:

• Tourism & Hospitality

• Organic Agriculture

• Infrastructure & Logistics

• Local Crafts & Handlooms

• Food Processing and Agro-industry

The formation of dedicated task forces is expected to fast-track these investments across sectors.

🌿 Organic Growth with Tribal Empowerment

The region is branding itself as India’s organic capital, led by clean farming, forest produce, and tribal entrepreneurship.

🧺 Agriculture & Livelihood Initiatives:

• 434 Organic Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)

• 1.73 lakh hectares under certified organic farming

• 3.3 lakh tribal gatherers empowered under Van Dhan Yojana

• 13 GI-tagged products, from ginger to bamboo rice

• Bamboo and agarwood-based industries gaining export traction

🏥 Human Capital & Health Infrastructure

📈 Noteworthy Social Sector Milestones:

• Mizoram declared fully literate – May 2025

• 15 Cancer Hospitals under construction in Assam (Largest network in South Asia)

• 15 Medical Colleges being set up in underserved districts

• North East District SDG Index launched with NITI Aayog and UNDP

The push toward health and education is now visible in measurable outcomes across HDI indicators.

Cultural Pride Meets Global Exposure

From world heritage sites to textile exports, the Northeast finally exports products and its identity.

🎨 Culture, Heritage & Tourism:

• Assam’s Moidams added to UNESCO World Heritage List (2024)

• Rani Gaidinliu Museum inaugurated in Manipur

• Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav held in December 2024, spotlighting regional crafts

• Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya and Dzukou Valley in Nagaland attracting eco-tourism

• NEHHDC expanding e-commerce presence for handlooms and tribal art

📊 Snapshot: Northeast by the Numbers (2014–2025)

Top 8 Must-Visit Gems of the Northeast

A Gateway Turned Growth Engine

No longer a ‘distant’ region, the Northeast is now front and centre in India’s development journey — a story of resilience, respect, and rejuvenation. Peace has laid the foundation, infrastructure has provided the structure, and human capital is shaping its future. The Northeast of India is no longer an afterthought. It’s a new India’s springboard to the East and beyond.