Our Bureau
New Delhi
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has underscored the growing strategic importance of India’s North-eastern region, calling it the nation’s “gateway to Southeast Asia.” Speaking at a virtual meeting of ambassadors ahead of the North East Investors Summit 2025, Jaishankar highlighted the region’s pivotal role in advancing India’s connectivity and economic integration with Southeast Asia.
Jaishankar emphasized that the Northeast is central to several key Indian foreign policy initiatives, including the Neighbourhood First policy, the Act East policy, and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).“The northeast adjoins five of our neighbours on land, its boundaries are the interface between the Indian subcontinent and the ASEAN,” he stated, referencing the region’s 5,484 km of international borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Bhutan, and Nepal.
The minister described the Northeast as “not landlocked — it is land-linked,” positioning it as a fulcrum for regional connectivity, economic diplomacy, and strategic engagement. He urged foreign envoys to familiarize themselves with the region’s diverse qualities and to promote international cooperation and investment.
Jaishankar also pointed to major infrastructure projects, such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, as transformative initiatives that will enhance cross-border trade and connectivity. He expressed confidence that the upcoming North East Investors Summit would leverage the region’s strengths, foster greater international collaboration, and further integrate the Northeast into the global economy.
Comprising eight states and home to over 200 ethnic groups, the North-eastern region covers nearly 8% of India’s geographical area and is increasingly seen as a hub for tourism, commerce, and cultural exchange. Jaishankar concluded that the region’s relevance will continue to grow, making it a cornerstone of India’s engagement with Southeast Asia.
