Guwahati | Rising North East Summit 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the spotlight on North East India, calling it the “Powerhouse of Possibilities” and “Ashta Lakshmi of Development”, during the Rising North East Investors Summit.
Modi pitched the North East as India’s next big growth engine, calling it “Ashta Lakshmi” – a land of eight goddesses now powering a billion dreams.
From tea to tourism, sports to semiconductors, and organic farming to hydropower, Modi said the North East is no longer India’s frontier – it's the front-runner.
"North East is not just geography now, it’s India's emotional connect... humne sirf yojnaon se nahi, dil se joda hai," PM thundered.
“From tea to tourism, from textiles to technology – North East is not just a region, it’s a complete package.
Today, it is the front runner of India’s growth story,” said PM Modi, highlighting how more than 700 visits by Union Ministers over the last 11 years have built not just infrastructure but emotional connections with the people.
The PM pitched the North East as India's organic hub, eco-tourism paradise, and a rising star in startups, semiconductors, sports and skill development.
He urged investors to think of the region as the launchpad for “Heal in India”, organic food brands, and destination weddings.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking at the summit, echoed the PM’s vision:
“We are ready. The world is looking for natural, sustainable, and skilled solutions – and North East is the answer. Be it biotech or bamboo, startups or skill hubs, our youth are leading the change.”
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, said:
“This is not just about investment – it’s about co-creating a future with the North East. We are seriously looking at sustainable tourism and clean energy here.”
Ritu Kumar, Founder of Ritu Kumar Fashion House, said:
“The North East has a treasure of textiles and crafts. The global market is craving authenticity and story-rich design – and this region has it all.”
PM Modi also said that the region has emerged from the shadows of unrest and neglect.
Over 10,000 youth have laid down arms, peace accords have been signed, and more than ₹21,000 crore invested in education and skill infra in the last decade.
The summit highlighted major projects, from mega food parks, cold chains, and oil palm missions, to G5 connectivity, sports universities, and semiconductor ecosystems.
“We are not just building roads and bridges, we’re building futures,” said PM Modi. “Let’s make North East the driver of Viksit Bharat!”
Highlighting a new wave of peace and progress, he said over 10,000 youth have given up arms in the past decade, thanks to a series of peace accords.
“Terrorism and blockades are now stories of the past,” he added, pointing to how law and order reforms and development are marching hand in hand.
PM Modi reeled off numbers:
₹21,000 crore pumped into education,
850 new schools,
200 skill centers,
9 medical colleges, and
250 Khelo India centers, with India's first Sports University already operational in the region.
“North East is now home to India's digital innovators, startup hubs, and health tourism destinations,” he said, urging investors to look east.
On the economic front, he declared the North East a "bio-economy powerhouse":
Tea, turmeric, pineapple, and ginger from the region are now in global demand.
Mega food parks, cold storages, and testing labs are being set up.
The Oil Palm Mission and push for organic farming will both empower farmers and cut India’s edible oil imports.
In a unique pitch, Modi also showcased the North East as a venue for destination weddings, global conferences, and wellness retreats, saying:
"The mantra of Heal in India must echo from the hills of the North East."
Wrapping up, he said Rising North East is not just an event—“yeh ek andolan hai.” A call to action. A declaration that India’s destiny now rides on its eastern promise.
#RisingNorthEast #ViksitBharat2047 #OrganicNorthEast #InvestInNE
