Ashtalakshmi – The North-East at the Heart of India’s Growth Story

Context

• Recently, PM Modi described the Northeast as India’s “Ashtalakshmi” and said the Centre has moved beyond the “Act East” policy to an “Act Fast” approach to accelerate development in the region.

North Eastern Region (NER)

• The NER comprises eight States viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. 
• This region is culturally and ethnically diverse having more than 200 ethnic groups which have distinct languages, dialects and socio-cultural identities. 
• The Region covers 7.97% of the country’s geographical area and 3.78% of its population. 
• It has 5,484 km of international border viz. Bangladesh (1,880 km), Myanmar (1,643 km), China (1,346 km), Bhutan (516 km) and Nepal (99 km). 

Significance of the North East Region

• Geostrategic Significance: 
  • International Borders: The NER shares borders with five countries i.e China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Nepal which make it strategically important.
  • Gateway to ASEAN: It is a critical link in India’s Act East Policy, serving as a bridge to Southeast Asia.
    • Current India–ASEAN trade: ~$125 billion, projected to exceed $200 billion.
  • Strategic Military Importance: Due to proximity to China, the region holds significant defense value for national security.
• Economic and Trade Potential: 
  • Cross-Border Trade: Projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Transit and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway boost trade with Southeast Asia.
  • Untapped markets and natural resources make it ideal for early investors in sectors like energy, agriculture, tourism, and logistics.
• Health, Wellness & Tourism:  Offers clean air, organic food, serene landscapes, and rich tribal cultures.
  • Ideal for wellness tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism.
  • Rich cultural diversity (dance, music, festivals) promotes cultural diplomacy and soft power.

Challenges Faced by the Region

• Poor connectivity: Difficult terrain and underdeveloped road, rail, and air networks.
• Limited digital infrastructure: Though improving, internet and telecom connectivity are weaker compared to other parts of India.
• Insurgency and Internal Security Issues: Presence of militant groups and separatist movements in some areas.
  • Cross-border infiltration and arms smuggling due to porous borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
  • Although security has improved, periodic unrest still affects peace and progress.
• Geographic and Environmental Constraints: Hilly and forested terrain makes development of infrastructure and industries difficult and costly.
• Ethnic Tensions and Migration Issues : Inter-community tensions and demands for autonomy or separate states lead to uncertainty in the region.
  • Illegal immigration from neighboring countries has altered demographics in some areas, creating social unrest.

Government Initiatives

• Policy Support: 

• Connectivity:
  • Bogibeel Bridge (2018): It is a combined road and rail bridge across the Brahmaputra River. 
  • Dhola–Sadiya Bridge (2017): It provides the first permanent road connection between northern Assam and eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It spans the Lohit River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra.
  • Noney Bridge: The Noney Bridge in Manipur, part of the 111-km Jiribam–Imphal railway project. Constructed across the Aling River, it is the world’s tallest railway pier bridge.
  • Sela Tunnel: It ensures all-weather connectivity in a strategically important border region. 
• GI Tags: As of March 2026, the NER accounted for 89 Geographical Indication (GI)-registered products. The region is known for several GI-tagged fruits and spices, including Queen Pineapple, Lakadong Turmeric, King Chilli, and Large Cardamom.
• Waterways: National Waterways in the Northeast increased from 1 to 20. There has been the development of Brahmaputra and Barak river transport systems.
• Energy and Green Growth: Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project (2,880 MW), Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (2,000 MW).
  • North East Gas Grid connecting all eight states.

Source: PIB