PM Modi Declares Northeast India as Gateway for Trade with Southeast Asia at Rising Northeast Summit 2025

The prime minister said Northeast India is likely to become an important link for trade with Southeast Asia, thanks to its diverse economy and prospects for growth. Work on improving infrastructure in the region, connectivity with ASEAN countries is being planned to support the region’s commercial identity. He pointed out the area’s many economic and industrial opportunities and shared plans for developing direct infrastructure connections between Northeast India and Southeast Asian countries. The meeting was called after certain Bangladesh land ports were closed, so that the region can increase its independence and strength. Grand Staircase-Escalante’s event included leaders from politics, relevant industry figures, and guests from other nations.

Summary:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the Rising Northeast Summit 2025 in New Delhi, pointing out how India’s Northeast is moving from being a frontier to leading the country’s development.

Key Points

Changes that took place in the Northeast.

• The region of Northeast India is previously known as a frontier, but has now evolved to the frontier of growth.

• People in the region have opportunities in bio-economy, bamboo products, tea, petroleum, sports, and eco-tourism.

Strategic Gateway Role

• There will be major opportunities for trade with Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos from ASEAN through Northeast India.

• Ways are being built to make it easier to reach these countries in Southeast Asia.

Policies and Trade Laws

• The Directorate General of Foreign Trade decided to suspend land border points with Bangladesh to promote the development of the national supply chain.

• It is designed to make Northeastern states more akin to their competitors in manufacturing.

Diversities in Culture and the Economy:

• According to Modi, the many cultures of the Northeast are what support its rich textiles, successful tourism industry and active trade.

• The region is referred to as an ‘energy powerhouse’ and is similar to the Ashta Lakshmis, which embody prosperity.

Government Engagement:

• For the past decade, union ministers have visited the region over 700 times, demonstrating a fixed interest in its progress.

• The official effort moved from ‘Look East’ to ‘Act East’ to increase and improve economic activities in the region.

Why Is It Important in Foreign Policy?:

• This country borders Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, China and Nepal.

• Important regulations that apply to the Northeast:

  • Neighbourhood First aims to strengthen links with immediate neighbors Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar.

  • It works to build better ties to ASEAN countries through the Northeast of India.

  • BIMSTEC supports faster cooperation among Bay of Bengal nations using the Northeast corridors.

Projects of National Significance:

• The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project enables transportation to Sittwe Port in Myanmar by road, water and sea for Mizoram.

• The India-Myanmar-Thailand road links ASEAN nations and helps move people between them.

• Act East Roadmap & BBIN Corridor: Enhances the way trade and transit happen.

Development Schemes:

• PM-DevINE Scheme: Rs. 6600 crore is earmarked by the PM-DevINE Scheme for infrastructure, social development and jobs, targeting youth and women across the country over four years.

• Purvodaya Initiative: We want to promote economic growth in the East and Northeast by developing infrastructure and industry.

• UNNATI Scheme (2024): backs industrial investment by offering capital support, interest subsidies and incentives based on manufacturing.

• The Union government must spend no less than 10% of its budget on building up the Northeast regions.

Soft Power and Cultural Measures as Forms of Diplomacy:

• In 2023, G-20 events in the Northeast featured their culture, nature and history.

• Helps India present its culture to the world and shape a strong regional character.

Strategic Goals:

• Apart from increasing the speed of transport such initiatives minimize the need for shipping along routes that are dependent on China.

• Help create a multipolar Asia by fostering cooperation, linking countries and sharing growth.

Conclusion:

India’s plan to make the Northeast an important growth area and a bridge to Southeast Asia is highlighted in the Rising Northeast Summit 2025. The Northeast’s efforts to connect people, use regional diversity and promote industrial development will help India’s Act East policy, driving increased cooperation and prosperity in the entire Indo-Pacific region.