Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 23: Union Ministers on Friday hailed the rapid development of India’s northeastern states, projecting the region as a rising economic hub during the Rising North East Investor Summit held in the national capital.

Union parliamentary and minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, on the sidelines of the summit, attributed the region's progress to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focused vision.

“The government is concentrating on infrastructure, tourism, hydropower, and other key sectors in the Northeast. This focused approach is driving accelerated growth across all areas,” said Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh.

He called the summit a critical milestone in realising the goal of transforming the region into an economic powerhouse.

Countering outdated perceptions about the Northeast’s distance from Delhi, Rijiju said, “Thanks to the government’s Act East policy, the Northeast is no longer isolated. It has now become India’s gateway to Southeast Asian countries.”

Union Textiles minister Giriraj Singh also praised the Modi government’s emphasis on connectivity and employment.

"Handloom and handicrafts are deeply rooted in the DNA of the Northeast and are generating significant employment opportunities," Singh said, adding that earlier governments had never organised such investor-focused events for the region.

“This initiative reflects PM Modi's commitment to boosting investments in the region. The Northeast is not only becoming a gateway of trade but also a gateway of development,” he remarked.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also welcomed the summit, calling it a timely initiative. “This has been made possible due to Prime Minister Modi’s vision and support,” Rio said.

On employment, he revealed plans by his government to create 500,000 jobs in Nagaland by 2030, underlining the economic potential of the region.