INDIA’S NORTHEAST AS A ENGINE OF GROWTH

Why in news: On 13th September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a landmark visit to Mizoram and also emphasied that the India’s North eastregion would be growth engine.

Introduction

On 13th September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a landmark visit to Mizoram, inaugurating the Bairabi–Sangria railway line.Alongside this, he laid foundation stones for infrastructure works exceeding ₹9,000 crore, spanning roads, gas bottling, schools and bypasses.

This visit marks a strategic push to enhance connectivity, integration, and development in the Northeast under India’s broader geopolitical and economic priorities notably the Act East Policy, boosting trade with Southeast Asia, and strengthening internal infrastructure to reduce regional disparities.

Significance of North-East for India

1. Geostrategic Importance

lShares over 5,300 km of international borders with five countries: China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal.

lActs as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy.

lExample: The recently inaugurated Bairabi–Sairang railway line (2025) in Mizoram enhances connectivity to Myanmar and Bangladesh corridors.

1. National Security & Stability

lRegion is sensitive due to cross-border insurgency, migration, and drug trafficking.

lStrengthening infrastructure ensures better border management and internal stability.

lExample: Ongoing efforts to modernize border fencing along the India–Myanmar border and integrate surveillance technology.

1. Economic Growth & Connectivity

lRich in natural resources (oil, gas, coal, bamboo).

lImproved transport and logistics will integrate NE into national and global supply chains.

lExample: Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project links Mizoram to Myanmar’s Sittwe port, enhancing Indo-ASEAN trade.

1. Cultural Diversity & Soft Power

lHome to 200+ ethnic groups, diverse languages, and festivals.

lPromotes India’s image of unity in diversity and enriches tourism.

lExample: Hornbill Festival in Nagaland attracts global tourists and boosts local economy.

1. Biodiversity & Ecological Significance

lOne of the world’s biodiversity hotspots (Eastern Himalayas & Indo-Burma region).

lExample: Kaziranga National Park (Assam) — UNESCO World Heritage Site, crucial for rhino conservation.

6Integration of Border Communities

lInfrastructure development reduces isolation and alienation.

lExample: New airports in Itanagar (2023) and Tez(2024) improve accessibility.

7Agriculture & Agro-based Industries

lKnown for organic farming and horticulture (pineapple, orange, spices).

lExample: Sikkim – India’s first organic state; Tripura’s pineapple exports to Dubai (2024).

8Strategic Connectivity Projects

lIndia–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (2023) supplies petroleum to NE.

lRail link projects like Agartala–Akhaura (with Bangladesh) reduce dependence on Siliguri Corridor.

Challenges associated with India’s North east

1Geographical Isolation & Connectivity Gaps

• Heavily dependent on the Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck) for access to the mainland.
• Limited road, rail, and digital infrastructure hampers integration.
• Example: Despite the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line (2025) in Mizoram, large parts of Arunachal and Nagaland still lack rail connectivity.

2Insurgency & Internal Security Issues

• Long history of insurgent groups demanding autonomy or secession.
• Although militancy has reduced, sporadic violence continues.
• Example: Manipur ethnic conflict (2023–24) left over 200 dead and displaced thousands, highlighting fragile peace.

3Ethnic Tensions & Identity Politics

• Region has 200+ ethnic groups, often leading to clashes over land, resources, and political representation.
• Example: Ongoing tensions between Meitei and Kuki tribes in Manipur.

4Illegal Migration & Demographic Pressures

• Porous borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar fuel illegal migration, impacting demography and politics.
• Example: Assam NRC issue and protests over CAA implementation.

5Border Disputes

• Frequent inter-state disputes among NE states.

6Example: Assam–Mizoram border clashes (2021, 2024 intermittent skirmishes) resulted in casualties and curfews.

7Drug Trafficking & Organized Crime

• Proximity to the Golden Triangle (Myanmar–Laos–Thailand) makes the region a hub for narcotics.
• Example: In 2024, Assam Police seized heroin worth ₹40 crore from Manipur-bound traffickers.

8Economic Backwardness

• Low industrial base, poor private investment, and inadequate markets.
• Example: NE contributes less than 3% to India’s GDP, despite being 8% of land area.

9Natural Disasters & Climate Vulnerability

• Prone to floods, landslides, and earthquakes.
• Example: Assam floods (2024) displaced over 5 lakh people, damaging crops and infrastructure.

Way Forward for India’s North-East Region

oStrengthening Connectivity

oComplete railway, highway, and digital infrastructure projects under Act East Policy.

oExample: Accelerate Agartala–Akhaura rail link with Bangladesh to reduce dependence on the Siliguri Corridor.

oPeacebuilding & Conflict Resolution

oContinue dialogue with insurgent groups through peace accords.

oPromote community reconciliation mechanisms to address ethnic tensions.

oExample: Implementation of Bodo Peace Accord (2020) brought relative stability in Assam’s BTAD region.

oBorder Management & Migration Control

oUse smart fencing, surveillance drones, and better patrolling along porous borders with Bangladesh & Myanmar.

oBalance humanitarian concerns with demographic stability in CAA-NRC implementation.

oBoosting Regional Economy

oPromote agro-processing, handicrafts, tourism, and IT-based services.

oEncourage private investment via North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS 2017).

oExample: Tripura’s pineapple exports to Gulf countries (2024) show export potential.

oHarnessing Energy Potential

oDevelop hydropower, solar, and oil & gas resources sustainably.

oExample: Expedite projects like Etalin Hydropower Project (Arunachal Pradesh) while ensuring environmental safeguards.