New Bharat dawns with a resurgent Northeast: Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Time of India

23-05-2025

Guwahati: In a compelling call to action, Union Minister of
Ports
, Shipping and
Waterways
,
Sarbananda Sonowal
invited global and domestic investors to explore the unprecedented growth potential of
Northeast
India.
Speaking at the
Northeast Investor Summit
– Bharat Mandapam held in New Delhi, Sonowal emphasised that a 'New Bharat is dawning with a resurgent Northeast at its heart.'
Addressing the summit's thematic discussion Topic 'Unlocking Capital for NE
Infrastructure
,' Sonowal highlighted the transformation of the Northeast Region (NER) over the last decade, attributing this resurgence to the sustained leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
'Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Northeast has undergone an era-defining transformation. What was once perceived as remote and isolated is now rapidly becoming India's gateway to Southeast Asia,' Sonowal said. 'The region is not just a part of India's growth story—it is now a major chapter in it.'
Sonowal pointed to a landmark figure—more than 700 visits by Cabinet Ministers to the Northeast in the past decade—as proof of the government's sustained focus on the region's development. Sonowal stressed the government's commitment to inclusive infrastructure, particularly in maritime and inland waterways, which are reshaping the economic landscape of the region.
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'Inland waterways are one of the most promising frontiers of development for the Northeast,' Sonowal said. 'We now have more than 20 notified National Waterways in the region. The scheme is being promoted to catalyse multi-modal connectivity, create
logistics
hubs, and boost cargo movement. Infra development along these waterways will unlock new corridors of economic activity and generate large-scale employment.'
Highlighting India's logistics advantage, Sonowal noted that 90% of the country's trade by volume and 70% by value moves through shipping, With Inland Waterways under the IBPR (Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route) and Sittwe Port in Myanmar will act as an emerging game changers in unfolding transformative transportation unlocking value.
In a nod to the region's rich talent pool, Sonowal detailed new initiatives in maritime skill development targeting youth from the Northeast, preparing them for careers in port operations, vessel management, and logistics. Sonowal also emphasised the immense potential for 'Heal in India' medical tourism in the NER, leveraging the region's natural serenity, wellness traditions, and rising healthcare infrastructure.
'The market potential of the Northeast is not limited to domestic consumption,' Sonowal said. 'It connects directly with ASEAN and BBIN nations, offering investors unparalleled access to over 600 million consumers in neighbouring economies.'
The summit witnessed participation from major domestic and international investors, development agencies, and policy leaders. Sonowal's address served as a clarion call to align investments with the government's infrastructure thrust, particularly in sectors such as waterways, logistics, tourism, wellness and healthcare.
With its newfound connectivity, abundant natural resources, and youthful demographic, Northeast India is now poised to become a key driver of India's growth story—ushering in a truly inclusive and integrated New Bharat.
Bimal Borah
Assam
Minister for Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises, Bimal Borah said the State is poised to reach a whopping Rs 11 lakh crore GSDP by 2030, positioning the State among the leading States in the country.
Borah said this while addressing the ministerial session on 'Infrastructure and Logistics' at the Rising Northeast Investors' Summit 2025, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the unwavering support of the Government of India, Assam has witnessed remarkable economic strides. Our Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has more than doubled from ?2.8 lakh crore in 2018 to Rs 5.7 lakh crore in 2024. This growth trajectory is a testament to the resilience and determination of our people," said Borah.
In the same breathe, the Minister for Industries and Commerce said that infrastructure investments have surged from Rs 2 lakh crore to Rs 11 lakh crore, underscoring the nation's commitment to regional development.
"Today, we stand at the cusp of a transformative journey - one that propels Assam from its rich cultural heritage to a dynamic economic future," he quipped.
Projecting Assam as not just a land of natural beauty and diverse cultures but a rapidly emerging as a beacon of economic growth and opportunity, Borah said, "Our strategic location, with Guwahati serving as the gateway to the seven sister states, positions us uniquely to tap into the vast potential of Southeast Asia."
Borah pointed out that Assam's export profile has witnessed a significant transformation with exports going up from Rs 2,474 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 3,664 crore in 2023-24, with key contributors being tea (55%), petroleum products (23%), and pharmaceuticals (5%).
The Industries and Commerce Minister said the One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives have helped in identifying and promoting unique products from each district such as muga silk, tea, and handloom products thus enhancing local entrepreneurship and export potential.
"In Assam, 29 unique ODOP products are identified across 35 districts. Geographical Indications (GIs) play a crucial role in protecting, promoting, and commercialising region-specific products. Assam, with 31 GI products showcase the State's rich cultural and artisanal legacy," he said, adding, "Assam's GI portfolio include remarkable handicrafts such as the iconic Jaapi headwear, skillfully crafted from bamboo and cane, the intricate Bell Metal Craft, producing unique utensils and decorative pieces and the Bihu Dhol, a rhythmic symbol of Assam's vibrant festivals. These GI-certified products serve as vital economic drivers, sustaining the livelihoods of artisans, weavers and farmers across the State."
Borah said that Assam with its rich natural resources and strategic location holds significant export potential. "The State is renowned for its Assam tea, which is exported globally. Additionally, Assam's abundant agricultural produce, including spices, fruits, and medicinal plants, offers considerable opportunities for export. Its proximity to ASEAN countries further enhances its potential as a key player in cross-border trade."
He said that the State Government, in an ambitious bid to diversify its manufacturing and export portfolio, is aggressively promoting high-potential sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and renewable energy. "The Tata OSAT semiconductor plant at Jagiroad, a significant milestone in itself, positions Assam as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. This facility not only enhances Assam's manufacturing capabilities but also sets the stage for exponential growth in exports," he said.
Borah said that the State Government in order to sustain and accelerate growth is enhancing trade infrastructure at key border points like Sutarkandi, Golokganj, Mankachar (Bangladesh), and Darranga (Bhutan) to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and deeper integration with its neighbours. He said the Jogighopa Multi-Modal Logistics Park, India's first international MMLP, spread over 317 acres along the Brahmaputra, will integrate road, rail, air, and waterway connectivity. "This state-of-the-art facility will handle 13 million metric tons annually, reduce logistics costs by 10%, and generate approximately 20 lakh direct and indirect jobs," he said.
While appealing to the industry captains and investors to invest in Assam, Minister Borah said, "The Northeast holds a pivotal role in shaping a developed Bharat. With the collective efforts of the Government of Assam, the Government of India, and our industrious citizens, we are poised to elevate Assam's economic landscape to unprecedented heights."