Nirmala Sitharaman: Northeast Key to India's Growth

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the growing importance of Northeast India in the country's development journey while addressing an event on the successful implementation of Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in Meghalaya and laying the foundation stone for new EAP-funded initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Sitharaman said the Northeast is no longer considered peripheral to India's development story. Instead, she described the region as a central pillar of India's future growth, connectivity and prosperity.

"The Northeast is no longer seen as peripheral to India's development story. It is being regarded as the central point to India's growth, connectivity, and future prosperity," she said.

The Finance Minister noted that EAPs are bringing targeted investments across critical sectors, including connectivity, logistics, skill development, tourism, livelihood generation, healthcare, education and climate resilience.

She emphasized that these investments represent a long-term commitment to unlocking the region's potential and strengthening its contribution to India's future.

While acknowledging the progress achieved through these projects, Sitharaman also pointed out challenges that continue to affect implementation. She cited difficult terrain, limited construction windows due to weather conditions and procurement-related hurdles as factors slowing the pace of development in some areas.

However, she expressed confidence that these challenges can be overcome through coordinated efforts and effective execution.

"The pace of implementation remains uneven due to difficult terrain, short construction seasons, and procurement challenges. These obstacles are real, but they are not insurmountable," she said.

The new EAP-funded projects are expected to further accelerate infrastructure development and improve socio-economic opportunities across Meghalaya and the wider Northeast region.