The region of Northeast India emerged as a forerunner of the Viksit Bharat vision, shedding its past image as a troubled frontier region. Over the past 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the region has witnessed an unprecedented shift, from an insurgency-hit and conflict-ridden and infrastructure-deficient region to a zone of development, connectivity, and prosperity. This shift is an outcome of a focused policy shift and inclusive governance.

For decades, insurgency-induced violence had paralysed life in the Northeast. Abductions, extortion, and violence were common, leaving development efforts crippled. However, since 2014, a decisive counter-insurgency strategy has changed the narrative. The government has signed 12 peace accords in the last 11 years with key militant groups, and more than 10,000 rebels have laid down their arms and joined mainstream society.

Historic agreements like the Bodo Peace Accord, the Bru-Reang resettlement pact, and many such agreements not only restored peace but also reintegrated the region into the mainstream with financial support. The recent 2024 agreement with the NLFT and ATTF in Tripura ended a 35-year-long conflict. These landmark moves have not only enhanced peace but also built trust with local communities.

A visible outcome of this peace-centric approach is the reduction of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in most of the Northeast. Between 2014 and 2024, violent incidents declined by 70%, while casualties among civilians and security personnel fell by 89% and 70%, respectively, showcasing the effectiveness of the government’s concerted efforts.

The government under PM Modi’s leadership also introduced policy reforms. The shift from Look East to Act East Policy in 2015 has reoriented the Northeast from being a distant frontier to a crucial gateway to Southeast Asia. Key projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Agartala-Akhaura rail link with Bangladesh are establishing cross-border linkages to boost trade and mobility.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the region has seen a sharp rise in development funding, infrastructure creation, livelihood generation, and cultural revival. In terms of budgetary allocations, development support to the region has seen a dramatic increase. Gross budgetary support rose by 208% in allocation to Northeast India compared to the period from 2004–05 to 2013–14. There is a 381% rise in 10% GBS allocation for Northeast between 2014–24 compared to 2004–14. In addition, region-specific initiatives such as PM-DevINE with a Rs. 6,600 crore outlay have targeted critical gaps in basic infrastructure and livelihood generation.

In terms of critical infrastructure projects, the region is also showcasing progress. Milestone achievements include 100% household electrification across all eight Northeastern states under the Saubhagya Yojana and a near-saturation level status of Har Ghar Jal coverage in the region. Investments in social infrastructure have also witnessed a huge surge since 2014. The establishment of India’s first National Sports University in Manipur, the first AIIMS in Assam, and the inauguration of seven new cancer hospitals in Assam in a single day stand as clear markers of this shift.

Perhaps the most visible transformation has been witnessed in connectivity. Air connectivity has surged under the UDAN scheme, with a total of 17 functional airports from just 9 airports in the last 68 years till 2014. Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were connected to the air service network for the first time. In 2023, the region saw the launch of its first Vande Bharat Express, connecting Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri, marking the arrival of high-speed rail in the Northeast. Breakthroughs have also been made in strategic rail connectivity, with all state capitals, Arunachal Pradesh (2015), Tripura (2016), Mizoram (2016), and Manipur (2023), now connected to the Broad Gauge network, integrating the region more deeply with the rest of India. Mega infrastructure projects like the Bogibeel and Dhola-Sadiya bridges, Metri Setu and Sela Tunnel have drastically reduced travel time and unlocked economic opportunities. Bogibeel alone has led to over Rs. 1,200 crore worth of new projects in Assam’s Dhemaji district. Furthermore, the region witnessed a record commissioning of railways and a sharp uptake in the electrification of railways. These developments have transformed the region’s physical isolation into seamless integration.

Equally transformative has been the cultural resurgence of the region. Once neglected, Northeast India’s rich cultural legacy is now being celebrated at both national and global stages. The setting up of cultural centers like the North East Zone Cultural Centre has promoted regional festivals such as Nagaland’s Hornbill and Manipur’s Sangai, while initiatives like the Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in Manipur, dedicated to Rani Gaidinliu, and the celebration of Lachit Borphukan’s 400th birth anniversary in Delhi have brought local heroes into the national consciousness. The inclusion of the Moidams of Choraideo on UNESCO’s World Heritage list has further amplified the region’s cultural pride. Local products like Muga Silk, Joha Rice, Tezpur Litchi, Kaji Nemu, and Boka Chaul have received GI tags, boosting their visibility and economic value. Due to cultural mainstreaming, tourism has flourished as a result of this renewed cultural identity and improved infrastructure. In 2023 alone, the region saw more than 1.20 crore domestic tourists and 2.21 lakh foreign visitors.

Once constrained by underperformance despite its rich natural resources, agriculture in Northeast India is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Through targeted initiatives like the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), over 1.73 lakh hectares have been converted to organic farming, directly benefitting more than 1.89 lakh farmers. To further empower these farmers, 205 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have been established under the "Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs" initiative, covering 15,500 farmers across the region. These FPOs are enhancing collective bargaining power, improving processing capabilities, and expanding access to national and global markets. At the forefront of this movement is Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state, which is now being developed into a global organic hub. It aims to achieve a bold target of $1 billion in organic exports by 2030.

Due to the PM Modi-led government’s handholding efforts, the never-realised potential of the region gained wider recognition. Now the region is attracting national and international investments. For instance, the Rs. 27,000 crore semiconductor project in Assam has immense potential to create more than 26,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. In addition, the startup ecosystem in the region is also thriving and creating entrepreneurial ventures in Northeast India.

The transformation of the last 11 years in Northeast India is a story of resilience, reform, and renewed national integration. Once seen as a troubled periphery, the region is now emerging as a vital contributor to India’s 21st-century growth story. From sustained development efforts to massive investments in infrastructure, targeted economic programmes, and the celebration of its cultural heritage, the Modi government has ensured that the Northeast is no longer viewed as a distant periphery but as an integral part of a rising, aspirational, and inclusive Bharat.