Rising Northeast: A Vision For The Northeast India

Syllabus: GS2/Government Policy & Interventions

Context

• The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) is organizing the ‘Rising Northeast: The Investor Summit’ in New Delhi to showcase the investment and trade potential of the Northeast Region of India.

About Northeast Region of India

• It consists of eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
• Geographical Area: Covers 7.97% of India’s total landmass.
• Population: Around 3.78% of India’s total population.
  • Hilly areas population: Over 54% 
• International Borders: Shares 5,484 km of borders with Bangladesh (1,880 km), Myanmar (1,643 km), China (1,346 km), Bhutan (516 km) and Nepal (99 km).
  • It is positioned as a gateway to ASEAN and East Asia, reinforcing India’s Act East Policy.

Concerns and Challenges Hindering Development of Northeast Region

• Geographical & Connectivity Issues: The region’s rugged terrain and heavy monsoons make infrastructure development difficult.
  • Limited rail and road networks restrict trade and mobility.
• Political & Ethnic Conflicts: Insurgency and ethnic tensions have historically disrupted stability. Demands for autonomy and special status create governance challenges.
  • Naga and Mizo separatist movements gained momentum until the 1980s.
  • ULFA and NDFB emerged in Assam demanding autonomy and sovereignty.
  • Infiltration from Bangladesh led to large-scale protests, culminating in the Assam Accord of 1985.
• Economic Underdevelopment: The region contributes only about 2.8% to India’s GDP, with Assam being the largest contributor.
  • Limited industrialization and dependence on agriculture slow economic growth.
• Environmental Challenges: Deforestation, floods, and landslides impact agriculture and infrastructure.
  • Climate change threatens biodiversity and traditional livelihoods.
• Policy & Governance Gaps: Delayed implementation of key policies like the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
  • Need for better coordination between central and state governments.

Policy Transformation in Northeast India

• From Insurgency to Integration: Post-Independence, the Northeast remained marred by insurgencies.
  • The government viewed the Northeast mainly through a security lens, with little focus on development. Many in the region felt alienated, both physically and emotionally.

Strategic Shift: Look East to Act East

• The Look East policy was initiated by the Narasimha Rao government to boost ties with Southeast Asia.
  • Atal Bihari Vajpayee formalized this direction by establishing the DoNER Ministry in 2001.
  • In 2014, the Modi government adopted the Act East policy, marking a decisive turn in India’s regional strategy.

Era of Infrastructure and Integration

• Ground-Level Transformation: The Northeast became central to India’s economic and geopolitical vision.
  • Union ministers maintained a continuous presence in the region, closing the emotional gap between people and government.
• Infrastructure Push: Government initiatives like NESIDS and PM-DevINE aim to improve roads, water supply, and power infrastructure.
  • North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) launched in 2018 with a $1 billion budget for roads, power, and water supply.
  • 4,950 km of National Highways constructed.
  • More than $5Bn invested via the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, allocating 10% of its budget to the region.
• Key Infrastructure Projects:
  • India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
  • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
  • Revival of Stilwell Road
• These initiatives aim to boost land-based trade with ASEAN. Additionally, maritime connectivity will be strengthened through the upcoming Sittwe Port (Myanmar), and the Chittagong Port (Bangladesh).

Conclusion

• The ‘Rising Northeast’ summit symbolizes the transformation of a once-neglected region into a dynamic investment and strategic hub.
• With enhanced connectivity, committed infrastructure development, and sustained political engagement, the Northeast is now poised to serve as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.

Source: IE