Is PM Modi Positioning Northeast States as the Gateway to $200 Billion Trade with ASEAN?
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Synopsis
Discover how Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions the northeastern states as pivotal players in driving India's trade with ASEAN to over $200 billion. This article explores key initiatives and projects aimed at transforming the region into a major economic hub.
Key Takeaways
- Northeast states are crucial for trade with ASEAN.
- Projected trade to exceed $200 billion.
- Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project enhances connectivity.
- Government investments in energy and semiconductors.
- ‘Heal in India’ initiative promotes wellness in the region.
New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that India's trade with ASEAN nations, currently valued at around $125 billion, is projected to surpass $200 billion in the near future, with the northeastern states serving as a vital trade link and entry point to southeast Asian markets.
While inaugurating the Rising North East Investors Summit in the capital, he emphasized the significance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which will facilitate direct connectivity from Myanmar to Thailand, thereby enhancing India’s access to Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.
PM Modi highlighted the government's commitment to fast-track the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, linking Kolkata Port with Myanmar's Sittwe Port. This crucial route through Mizoram will significantly cut travel time between West Bengal and Mizoram, boosting trade and industrial development.
He pointed out that ongoing efforts to develop Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala as Multi-Modal Logistics Hubs are complemented by the establishment of Land Custom Stations in Meghalaya and Mizoram, further enhancing international trade prospects. He underlined that these initiatives are positioning the northeast as a burgeoning player in trade with Indo-Pacific countries, unlocking fresh avenues for investment and economic growth.
Moreover, the Prime Minister stated that the ‘Heal in India’ initiative is evolving into a global movement. He praised the northeast's rich biodiversity and organic lifestyle, positioning it as an ideal hub for wellness.
PM Modi encouraged investors to recognize the northeast as a crucial element of India's Heal in India mission, asserting that the region's diverse climate and ecology offer vast potential for wellness-oriented ventures.
Additionally, he highlighted the northeast’s emerging significance in two pivotal sectors: energy and semiconductors. The government is making substantial investments in hydropower and solar power projects across all northeastern states, with approvals amounting to several thousand crore rupees.
He noted that besides opportunities in infrastructure and plant investments, there is immense potential in manufacturing, including solar modules, cells, storage solutions, and research. He stressed the need for maximizing investments in these sectors to enhance self-sufficiency and reduce future import dependence.
Furthermore, PM Modi underscored Assam's growing role in bolstering India's semiconductor ecosystem, announcing that the first Made in India chip from a northeast-based semiconductor facility is set to launch soon, marking a significant milestone for the region and unlocking opportunities in advanced technology.
Point of View
It's clear that PM Modi's focus on the northeastern states as a trade bridge signifies a strategic shift in India's economic policy. This approach not only aims to enhance trade relations with ASEAN but also emphasizes regional development and self-sufficiency, which are essential for a balanced growth trajectory in India's economy.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the northeastern states in India's trade?
The northeastern states are seen as strategic gateways to Southeast Asia, facilitating trade with ASEAN nations and helping to achieve a projected trade value of over $200 billion.
What projects are enhancing trade connectivity?
Key projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project and the development of Multi-Modal Logistics Hubs are enhancing connectivity and trade opportunities.
How is the government supporting investment in the northeast?
The government is investing heavily in hydropower, solar power, and semiconductor manufacturing, aiming to bolster economic growth and self-sufficiency.
What role does the 'Heal in India' initiative play?
'Heal in India' is being developed as a global movement, leveraging the northeast's rich biodiversity and organic lifestyle to promote wellness industries.
Why is Assam important in the semiconductor industry?
Assam is emerging as a key player in India's semiconductor ecosystem, with plans for a Made in India chip from a local plant, which is a significant milestone for the region.
