On May 23, 2025, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, addressed the Rising Northeast Investor Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, urging global and domestic investors to seize the transformative opportunities in Northeast India. Highlighting the region’s resurgence, he described it as the heart of a New Bharat, driven by infrastructure, connectivity, and economic growth.
Transforming Northeast India
A Gateway to Southeast Asia
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Northeast Region (NER) has undergone an era-defining transformation. Once considered remote, the region is now positioned as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia. The government’s commitment is evident through over 700 visits by Cabinet Ministers to the Northeast in the past decade, fostering inclusive development. The summit’s theme, “Unlocking Capital for NE Infrastructure”, emphasized the region’s role as a key chapter in India’s growth story.
Inland Waterways: A Game Changer
Revolutionizing Connectivity and Logistics
Shri Sonowal highlighted the transformative potential of inland waterways in the Northeast, with over 20 notified National Waterways in the region. The Jalvahak scheme is catalyzing multi-modal connectivity, creating logistics hubs, and boosting cargo movement. These developments are expected to unlock new economic corridors and generate large-scale employment. Additionally, the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) and Sittwe Port in Myanmar are emerging as game changers for transformative transportation.
| Key Initiative | Impact |
|---|---|
| National Waterways | Over 20 notified in the Northeast for enhanced connectivity |
| Jalvahak Scheme | Promotes multi-modal connectivity and logistics hubs |
| IBPR and Sittwe Port | Facilitates transformative transportation and trade |
| Maritime Skill Development | Prepares Northeast youth for careers in port operations and logistics |
Heal in India: Medical Tourism Potential
Leveraging Natural and Cultural Assets
The Northeast’s natural serenity and wellness traditions, combined with rising healthcare infrastructure, position it as a potential hub for “Heal in India” medical tourism. Shri Sonowal emphasized leveraging these strengths to attract domestic and international visitors, boosting the region’s economy and global appeal.
Skilling the Youth
Empowering the Next Generation
New initiatives in maritime skill development are targeting Northeast youth, preparing them for careers in port operations, vessel management, and logistics. These programs aim to harness the region’s youthful demographic to drive economic growth and employment opportunities.
Global Market Access
Connecting to ASEAN and BBIN
The Northeast’s strategic location offers investors access to over 600 million consumers in neighboring ASEAN and BBIN nations. This connectivity, combined with abundant natural resources and improved infrastructure, positions the region as a key driver of India’s economic integration with global markets.
Key Highlights
- The Rising Northeast Investor Summit was held on May 23, 2025, addressed by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
- Northeast India is positioned as a gateway to Southeast Asia, driven by infrastructure and connectivity.
- Over 20 National Waterways and the Jalvahak scheme are boosting logistics and employment.
- The region has potential to become a “Heal in India” medical tourism hub leveraging natural and cultural assets.
- Access to 600 million consumers in ASEAN and BBIN nations enhances the Northeast’s economic significance.