Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the Northeast is undergoing a significant transformation and is increasingly being viewed as a gateway to Southeast Asia, driven by improved connectivity, economic growth and expanding development opportunities. Addressing the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Sarma said the region is no longer defined by its geographical distance from the rest of India. Instead, he noted, its strategic location close to Southeast Asian countries is opening new avenues for trade, investment and regional cooperation. “The Northeast is no longer defined by its distance from Delhi but by its proximity to Southeast Asia. East Policy, international markets, cultures and opportunities are increasingly shaping our future,” the Chief Minister said. Sarma highlighted the role played by the North Eastern Council in supporting the region’s development over the years. He said the council has contributed significantly to strengthening infrastructure by supporting the construction and improvement of more than 10,500 kilometres of roads and over 2,500 kilometres of power transmission infrastructure across the northeastern states.
According to the Chief Minister, one of the most important developments in recent years has been the change in perception about the Northeast. He said the region, which was once often associated with insurgency and instability, is now increasingly being recognised for its economic potential, investment opportunities and developmental achievements. Referring to observations made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the plenary session, Sarma said the region has reached a stage where the focus can move beyond law and order concerns towards ensuring citizens’ rights and accelerating development. “As Adarniya Amit Shah ji observed at the NEC plenary, the focus can now shift from law and order to protecting citizens’ rights and accelerating development,” he said. The Chief Minister also highlighted Assam’s growing role in the region’s economy. He pointed to progress in sectors such as semiconductors, inland waterways, industrial corridors, logistics and hospitality, stating that Assam is increasingly emerging as the economic anchor of the Northeast. Sarma stressed that the future of the region lies in greater cooperation among northeastern states rather than isolated development efforts. He said integrated infrastructure, interconnected markets and a shared vision for growth would be key to unlocking the region’s full potential.
He further said the Northeast is preparing itself for emerging opportunities in advanced sectors such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain infrastructure, foreign trade and health tourism. The NEC plenary session was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, governors, chief ministers and senior officials from the northeastern states, along with representatives of the central government. Discussions during the session focused on strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating development initiatives across the Northeast.Sarma said the collective efforts of the states and the Centre would help transform the Northeast into one of India’s most dynamic regions, with Assam playing a leading role in driving economic growth and regional integration.