Sarbananda Sonowal highlights Northeast’s transformative growth at North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026

SHILLONG : Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, addressed the North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 here in Shillong, underscoring the remarkable transformation of the Northeast over the past 12 years under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Addressing policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders, the Minister highlighted the Northeast’s emergence as a strategic growth engine and a vital gateway connecting India with Southeast Asia.

“The Northeast has truly become the fulcrum of India’s Act East Policy and a vibrant gateway to Southeast Asia. Guided by Prime Minister Modi ji, the Ashtalakshmi story is unfolding at an accelerated pace, driving an inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive future,” Shri Sonowal said.

He noted that the Government of India has undertaken unprecedented investments in multimodal connectivity, logistics infrastructure, inland waterways, road and rail networks, aviation, digital infrastructure, and border trade facilities across the region.

Emphasising the importance of integrated development, Shri Sonowal said the Northeast is witnessing a paradigm shift through enhanced connectivity projects that are reducing distances, boosting trade, attracting investments, and creating new employment opportunities.

The Minister highlighted the significant progress made in expanding national highways, railway connectivity, regional air links, and inland water transport systems, which are strengthening the region’s integration with domestic and international markets.

He also reiterated the strategic importance of the Northeast in strengthening India’s partnerships with neighbouring countries under the Act East Policy. Improved cross-border connectivity and trade corridors are positioning the region as a key hub for commerce, tourism, logistics, and cultural exchange.

Shri Sonowal emphasised that the government’s development approach for the Northeast is rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and empowerment, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach local communities, entrepreneurs, youth, women, and indigenous populations.

Highlighting the transformative vision of “Ashtalakshmi,” he stated that the eight Northeastern states are emerging as dynamic centres of innovation, entrepreneurship, tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, and sustainable development.

The Minister called upon industry stakeholders and investors to explore the immense opportunities available in the region and partner in building a globally competitive Northeast that serves as India’s growth gateway to Southeast Asia.

The North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 brought together government representatives, industry leaders, infrastructure developers, investors, and policymakers to deliberate on strategies for accelerating infrastructure development and unlocking the region’s vast economic potential.