PM Modi: Northeast Is India’s Most Diverse Region, From Trade to Tourism

At the inaugural ceremony of the Rising North East Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address celebrating the North East region of India as the most diverse and dynamic part of the country. The summit aimed to highlight and harness the region’s unique strengths and potential in India’s broader developmental narrative.

PM Modi opened his speech by emphasizing the unmatched diversity of the North East, noting that India is globally recognized for its diversity, and within India, the North East stands out for its wide-ranging variety — spanning trade, tradition, textiles, and tourism. He pointed out that this diversity is not just a cultural or geographical feature but also a strategic strength that contributes immensely to the national fabric.

He elaborated on the region’s multifaceted strengths, portraying the North East as a hub of opportunities and growth. According to Modi, the region symbolizes a range of vital sectors: from bio-economy and bamboo-based industries to tea cultivation and petroleum resources. Additionally, he mentioned the North East’s contributions in sports and skill development, identifying it as a rising center for ecotourism and a burgeoning source of organic products. The region also holds strategic importance as a powerhouse of energy, capable of supporting India’s energy needs through its natural resources and clean energy potential.

The Prime Minister described the North East metaphorically as “Ashtalakshmi,” referring to the eight forms of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who symbolizes prosperity and abundance. He used this analogy to underscore the value and promise each of the North Eastern states brings to the nation. Through this depiction, Modi signaled that every state in the North East is ready for both economic investment and leadership roles in India’s development trajectory.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the region’s growth by creating infrastructure, encouraging private investment, and promoting entrepreneurship. The vision is to integrate the North East more deeply with national and global markets, empowering it as a significant contributor to India’s economy.

By positioning the North East as both culturally rich and economically strategic, PM Modi’s speech aimed to elevate the national importance of the region. He called on domestic and international stakeholders to explore the opportunities in the North East, assuring them of the region’s preparedness and potential.

In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s address at the Rising North East Summit highlighted the North East as a cornerstone of India’s diversity and development. Through strategic investment and policy support, the government aims to transform the region into a leader in sustainable growth, innovation, and cultural preservation, thereby making it an integral driver of India’s future progress.