Northeast India Boosts Connectivity and Investment with Act East Policy
The Act East Policy is positioning Northeast India at the heart of the country’s engagement with Southeast Asia. This strategic initiative primarily emphasizes enhancing cross-border connectivity infrastructure, enabling robust trade and investment opportunities for the region. Among its flagship projects are the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, both essential for improving access and fostering economic ties.
Key Infrastructure Developments
Recent achievements under this policy include the completion of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project’s waterway component, which was inaugurated in May 2023. This project also features a road component—a two-lane highway stretching 109 kilometers from Paletwa in Myanmar to Zorinpui in Mizoram, which is designed to facilitate smoother trade routes.
The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is another significant development. Its Tamu-Kalewa segment was successfully completed and handed over to the Government of Myanmar back in 2009. Recently, the Kalewa-Yargi section, from kilometer 112 to kilometer 60, concluded construction and was handed over to Myanmar authorities in October 2025.
Strengthening Economic Ties
In response to the need for improved economic frameworks, a High-level Task Force (HLTF) was established in 2025 to assess and enhance the North East Economic Corridor (NEEC). This task force is dedicated to identifying gaps in infrastructure and trade facilitation while also crafting strategies to attract investments in the region. The findings were presented during the 73rd Plenary of the North East Council in June 2026, underscoring the commitment to economic growth.
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) hosted the Rising Northeast Investors Summit in May 2025, focusing on boosting investments across various sectors, including tourism, agro-food processing, textiles, healthcare, education, and renewable energy. The event generated significant interest, resulting in investment commitments amounting to ₹4.48 lakh crore through multiple Memoranda of Understanding, showcasing the region’s potential as an investment hub.
Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) is crucial in supporting small businesses and fostering entrepreneurship in the Northeast. The corporation provides financial backing for a wide range of projects, including industrial, infrastructure, and agri-allied initiatives. NEDFi also plays a critical role in nurturing the startup ecosystem through the North East Venture Fund, further enhancing innovation in the region.
This information was shared by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, in a recent reply to questions in the Rajya Sabha, reiterating the government’s commitment to transforming Northeast India into a thriving economic corridor.
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