Why Northeast India Holds the Key to Act East Policy Success

Northeast India serves as a vital foundation for India's Act East Policy and its implementation success. The vibrant histories and rich cultural heritage of 45 million citizens living in this region represent an untapped treasure of knowledge and wisdom. The eight states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—cover nearly 8% of India's geographical area, offering immense potential for development and growth. These states, with their unique demographic composition, account for 3.78% of the country's population.

The region shows tremendous promise for economic growth, with increasing contribution to India's GDP. Northeast India's strategic importance shines through its diverse population. The region proudly houses over 272 ethnic groups and communities, creating a rich tapestry of cultural influences that strengthen our diplomatic ties with Southeast Asian nations. The area has achieved remarkable progress in maintaining peace and stability. With improving infrastructure and market integration, the region is poised for unprecedented growth. This piece explores how Northeast India's integration serves as a cornerstone for our broader international aspirations.

Northeast India’s Strategic Role in the Act East Policy

Northeast India's strategic location makes it the lifeblood of our international diplomacy. The region shares over 5,000 kilometers of borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, and Nepal, positioning it perfectly as India's gateway to Southeast Asia.

The Act East Policy evolved from the Look East Policy of 1991, marking India's shift from passive observation to active engagement with eastern neighbors. Northeast India serves as our cultural bridge to ASEAN nations through shared heritage, traditions, and historical ties that facilitate deeper diplomatic connections.

This region's importance extends far beyond its location. With ASEAN's impressive growth into a $3 trillion economy, Northeast India stands perfectly positioned to access this expanding market. It plays a crucial role in fostering balanced regional development and international cooperation.

Our robust security framework in Northeast India aligns perfectly with the region's remarkable growth trajectory. The enhanced connectivity and infrastructure development have transformed cross-border engagement, fostering legitimate trade and cultural exchanges that benefit local communities.

Northeast India stands as the crown jewel of the Act East Policy—its success fundamentally shapes India's eastern diplomatic achievements. The region's comprehensive development and integration continue to drive transformative changes across South and Southeast Asia.

Infrastructure and Economic Development in the Region

Northeast India's economic landscape is witnessing unprecedented transformation through strategic infrastructure investments. The railway sector has received a substantial investment of ₹62,477 crore from the Ministry of Railways since 2014, with ₹10,440 crore allocated this fiscal year. The impressive 1,824 km of new railway tracks laid since 2014 surpasses Sri Lanka's entire rail network.

The region boasts an extensive network of 16,207 km of National Highways. Rural connectivity has flourished with PMGSY's completion of 16,469 road works spanning 80,933 km and 2,108 bridges.

Air connectivity has doubled since 2014, with 17 thriving airports now serving the region. The UDAN scheme enhances regional connectivity, boosting tourism and agricultural exports.

Several transformative projects are advancing rapidly, including the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and new waterways on the Brahmaputra River.

The government's PM-DevINE initiative, launched in 2022, commits ₹6,600 crore over four years. Japan has emerged as a key development partner, providing a substantial loan of JPY 15,561 million to enhance the North East Road Network.

The Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 has attracted impressive investment commitments of ₹4.48 lakh crore across energy, tourism, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors, highlighting the region's growing economic potential.

Opportunities for Enhanced Regional Integration

Northeast India is making remarkable strides in strengthening its integration within the Act East Policy framework, with several positive developments underway.

The region's rich cultural diversity is fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding. The vibrant Meitei and Kuki communities are working towards peaceful dialogue and cooperation since 2023, demonstrating the resilience of Northeast's social fabric.

Inter-state relationships are evolving positively, particularly with Assam taking the lead in fostering regional cooperation. Collaborative efforts between states have led to innovative solutions for shared development between 1979 and 2021.

The region's unique geography presents opportunities for sustainable development. Seven states benefit from their strategic location, enabling them to pioneer earthquake-resistant infrastructure and green building practices. Climate adaptation initiatives are transforming challenges into opportunities for innovative agricultural practices.

Population dynamics are creating a demographic dividend. The region's 14.9 million migrants (33% of population) contribute significantly to its cultural and economic vibrancy, fostering a diverse, multicultural society that strengthens India's connections with Southeast Asia.

Economic growth shows encouraging signs of acceleration. While some states are working through employment challenges - with Nagaland at 21.8%, Manipur at 11.6%, and Mizoram at 10.1% - targeted skill development programs are creating new opportunities for local talent to contribute to regional growth.

Conclusion

Northeast India stands as a vital cornerstone in our nation's eastward aspirations. This strategically positioned region holds immense promise as India's dynamic gateway to Southeast Asia. While the eight northeastern states currently contribute 2.3% to our GDP, their unparalleled strategic value and growth potential make them instrumental to India's broader geopolitical vision.

The transformation underway is remarkable. Since 2014, extensive development of railways, highways, airports, and waterways has revolutionized this region into a thriving commercial hub.

The region demonstrates remarkable resilience while addressing developmental priorities. States are strengthening cooperation through diplomatic dialogue. The northeastern states are enhancing regional unity through collaborative approaches. Additionally, innovative climate adaptation strategies and economic modernization efforts are creating new pathways for sustainable progress.

Northeast India's integration represents more than regional development—it embodies the practical foundation of our entire Act East Policy. Our aspirations for deeper ASEAN economic engagement and regional influence depend on a prosperous, well-connected Northeast.

India's future partnership with Southeast Asia builds on the Northeast's growing strengths. Continued focus on infrastructure development, community empowerment, and creating opportunities for local talent will further accelerate regional progress.

After years of transformative development, the region's moment has truly arrived. Northeast India's 45 million citizens from over 272 ethnic communities are pioneering their homeland's evolution from a strategic frontier into the vibrant heart of India's eastern engagement. Their journey exemplifies not just regional advancement but India's expanding global influence.