In a significant move to boost economic development in India’s North Eastern Region (NER), Union Minister for Communications and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, chaired a high-profile meeting in Mumbai on April 30, 2025, with some of India’s most influential industrial leaders. The strategic interaction forms a vital part of the government’s broader mission to attract investments to the Northeast ahead of the “Rising Northeast Summit 2025”, scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, on May 23-24, 2025.
Engaging India’s Top Industrialists for Northeast Growth
During his visit, Minister Scindia held discussions with prominent industry leaders, including Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries, Kumar Mangalam Birla of the Aditya Birla Group, and N. Chandrasekaran of Tata Sons. These one-on-one discussions focused on unlocking the investment potential of the Northeast, especially in high-impact sectors like agro-based industries, textiles, tourism, and sustainable development.
The minister highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India envisions the Northeast as “India’s new growth engine.” He underscored the crucial role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in driving inclusive and sustainable development across the region.
“The goal is to integrate the eight Northeastern states into one unified development objective and to position the region as a vital engine of India’s growth,” said Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Policy Push: Building a Conducive Investment Ecosystem
Minister Scindia outlined several strategic initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of DoNER to create a robust investment ecosystem in the region:
- Formation of a High-Level Task Force comprising the Chief Ministers of all eight Northeastern states to ensure coordinated development.
- Establishment of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in each state to actively engage with investors and facilitate smooth entry and operations.
- Identification of sector-specific investment opportunities that align with each state’s natural and cultural strengths.
Key Investment Insights Shared by Ministry of DoNER
Shri Dharmvir Jha, Statistical Advisor at the Ministry of DoNER, presented an extensive overview of investment-ready sectors across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. These include:
- Agro-based industries: Leveraging the region’s rich biodiversity and agricultural output.
- Textiles and handlooms: Capitalizing on traditional skills and local craftsmanship.
- Tourism and eco-tourism: Promoting cultural tourism, adventure sports, and natural retreats.
- Logistics and connectivity: Strengthening transportation infrastructure, including road, rail, and air connectivity, to integrate the Northeast with national and global markets.
Rising Northeast Summit 2025: A Platform for Partnership
The upcoming Rising Northeast Summit 2025, to be held in Delhi on May 23-24, 2025, aims to consolidate these efforts by bringing together:
- Industry leaders
- Policymakers
- Development agencies
- Global investors
This landmark summit will serve as a platform to unveil new projects, launch policy frameworks, and forge partnerships that can drive long-term economic growth in the Northeast. Discussions will revolve around strategic sectors, investment facilitation, and collaborative opportunities between the government and the private sector.
A Unified Vision for Northeast India
Through these initiatives, the Government of India is reaffirming its commitment to balanced regional growth. Minister Scindia’s proactive outreach to business leaders reflects the Centre’s determination to ensure that the Northeast not only participates in but leads India’s next wave of economic transformation.
The momentum generated through this Mumbai meeting is expected to culminate in actionable outcomes at the Rising Northeast Summit, driving investments that will empower local communities, generate employment, and unlock the untapped economic potential of this strategically important region.
