Act East Policy and Northeast Development

Summary of Key Developments in the Northeast Region under the Act East Policy

Act East Policy Overview

• Objective: Strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast Asia through the Northeast Region (NER).
• Focus: Development of cross-border connectivity infrastructure.

Key Projects

1. India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway:

   • Components:
     • Tamu-Kaleva Highway: Completed and handed over to Myanmar government in 2009.
     • Kalewa-Yargi Highway: 112 km segment to be completed and handed over by October 2025.

2. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project:

   • Components:
     • Waterway: Completed and inaugurated in May 2023.
     • Road Component: 109 km two-lane highway from Paletwa (Myanmar) to Zorinpui, Mizoram.

3. Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and Border Haats:

   • Strengthening trade relations between NER and Southeast Asia.

Northeast Economic Corridor (NEEC)

• High-Level Task Force (HLTF): Formed in 2025 to assess current economic, infrastructure, and investment ecosystems in NER.
  • Goals:
    • Identify gaps in physical connectivity, trade facilitation, and regional investment.
    • Attract public and private sector investment for NEEC projects.
  • Report Presentation: Scheduled for June 2026 at the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council.

Rising Northeast Investors Summit

• Date: May 2025.
• Purpose: Promote trade and investment in NER.
• Identified Key Sectors for Investment:
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Agriculture and Food Processing
  • Textiles, Handloom, and Handicrafts
  • Health, Education, and Skill Development
  • IT/ITES, Entertainment and Sports
  • Infrastructure and Logistics
  • Energy Sector
• Investment Interest: Approximately ₹4.48 lakh crore attracted through MOUs and investment proposals from private investors, public enterprises, and major industrial groups.

Northeast Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFI)

• Role: Providing financial assistance to strengthen the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector and promote entrepreneurship in NER.
• Support for Startups: Through the North East Venture Fund.

Constitutional and Policy Framework

• The initiatives are aligned with the broader goals of the Indian Constitution, particularly Articles related to economic development and regional equity.
• The focus on investment and infrastructure development is part of the government’s strategy to enhance the socio-economic conditions in the NER.

This summary encapsulates the ongoing efforts and strategic initiatives under the Act East Policy aimed at transforming the Northeast Region into a vital hub for economic activity and connectivity in the Southeast Asian context.