On May 14, 2025, Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced the Rising North East Investor Summit 2025 during a press meet in New Delhi. This landmark event aims to position the Ashta Lakshmi—the eight Northeastern states—as the cornerstone of India’s growth story, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. This post explores the summit’s objectives, investment opportunities, and its role in transforming the Northeast into a global economic hub.
Overview of the Summit
Showcasing Ashta Lakshmi
The Rising North East Investor Summit 2025 will highlight the immense potential of the eight Northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Described by Minister Scindia as the “heart of transformative growth,” the region is poised to become a pivotal driver of India’s economic future. The summit, graced by Prime Minister Modi, will bring together ministers, MPs, diplomats, chief ministers, and industry leaders to foster investment and collaboration.
Strategic Importance
Minister Scindia emphasized that the Northeast, once considered India’s periphery, is now the center of the nation’s growth story. With its rich cultural tapestry, abundant natural resources, and strategic geographical positioning, the region serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia, unlocking vast economic opportunities.
Investment Opportunities and Pre-Summit Activities
Attracting Global and Domestic Investors
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), led by Secretary Chanchal Kumar, has secured investment proposals worth over Rs. 1 lakh crore through pre-summit activities. These include investor roadshows in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Guwahati, and New Delhi, as well as an Ambassadors’ Meet on April 14, 2025, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan. The meet saw participation from ambassadors and high commissioners of over 75 countries, showcasing global interest in the Northeast.
Focus Sectors
The summit will prioritize key sectors to drive economic growth, including:
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Agro-Food Processing & Allied Sectors
- Textiles, Handloom, and Handicrafts
- Healthcare
- Education and Skill Development
- IT/ITeS
- Infrastructure and Logistics
- Energy
- Entertainment & Sports
These sectors leverage the region’s unique strengths, from its biodiversity to its cultural heritage.
Government Initiatives and Infrastructure Development
Committed Investment
Over the past decade, the government has allocated 10% of gross budgetary support, amounting to nearly Rs. 1 lakh crore annually, to the Northeast. Investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and connectivity, such as submarine cables, have created a strong foundation for economic growth. These efforts have transformed the region into a business-friendly ecosystem.
Skill Development and Industry Engagement
Government-driven skill development initiatives and infrastructure upgrades have attracted major industry players. The Northeast is now a focal point for industrial titans, with MoUs and Letters of Intent worth over Rs. 1 lakh crore signed, signaling strong investor confidence.
Vision 2047: A Prosperous Northeast
Global Hub for Innovation
The government envisions the Northeast as India’s most prosperous region by 2047, positioning it as a global hub for startups, a leading exporter of exotic horticultural products, and the crown jewel of Indian tourism. The summit will lay the groundwork for this transformation, fostering innovation and sustainable development.
Gateway to Southeast Asia
The Northeast’s strategic location makes it a powerful gateway to Southeast Asia. By leveraging its geographical advantage, the region aims to enhance trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange, benefiting not only India but the entire Southeast Asian region.
Key Insight: The Rising North East Investor Summit 2025, announced on May 15, 2025, is a transformative step toward making the Northeast India’s economic powerhouse, aligning with Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Important Facts About the Rising North East Investor Summit
To deepen your understanding, here are key points about the summit and the Northeast’s development:
- Rising North East Summit: Scheduled for 2025, it will showcase the potential of the eight Northeastern states, known as Ashta Lakshmi.
- Investment Proposals: Pre-summit activities have secured MoUs and Letters of Intent worth over Rs. 1 lakh crore.
- Focus Sectors: Tourism, agro-food processing, healthcare, IT, and infrastructure are prioritized to drive economic growth.
- Government Support: Annual budgetary support of Rs. 1 lakh crore and infrastructure investments have transformed the Northeast.
- Vision 2047: The Northeast aims to become a global hub for startups, horticulture exports, and tourism by 2047.
The Rising North East Investor Summit 2025 marks a new era of prosperity for the Northeast, positioning it as a vital contributor to India’s economic and global aspirations.