Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has detailed a vision to transform Northeast India into a hub for trade, tourism, and investment. The summit highlighted the need for sustainable development, local community benefits from tourism, and improved infrastructure, with over Rs 6 lakh crore invested in the region since 2014.
The outlined strategy aims to unlock the significant economic potential of Northeast India by focusing on infrastructure development, sustainable tourism, and leveraging the region's strategic location, potentially boosting regional growth and its role in India's broader economic landscape.
The Northeast India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026 (NEIINFRA) concluded in Shillong, with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presenting a comprehensive vision for the region's transformation into a hub for connectivity, trade, tourism, and investment. Shekhawat highlighted significant infrastructure investments totaling over Rs 6 lakh crore since 2014, emphasizing that development connects people to opportunities and markets.
The summit underscored the Northeast's role as India's gateway to Southeast Asia and its growing appeal to investors. A key theme was the necessity of sustainable and climate-resilient development, balancing economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation, while empowering local youth and entrepreneurs.
Discussions on the second day covered tourism, industrial development, green energy, infrastructure modernization, and startup growth. Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman stressed that tourism must be a 'local benefit industry,' creating jobs and income for communities, and safeguarding indigenous identity. Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed noted the region's untapped tourism revenue potential compared to countries like Bhutan, advocating for investment in hospitality training.
Lahkmen Rymbui highlighted opportunities in bioenergy, bamboo, and micro-hydropower, emphasizing the need for market access and value-added products. Bajrang Lohia of FINER reiterated the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and financial institutions to unlock the region's economic potential through sustainable, technology-enabled infrastructure.