Northeast India: Importance, Challenges & Act East Policy Simplified for UPSC Aspirants (2025)"

 

🧭 Introduction: Why the Northeast is so Important?

Source:-TH

India's northeast region is rich in resources, culture, variety, and scenic beauty. But still, for a long time, it has remained backward and disconnected from the rest of the country. Now, the Government is trying to develop this region with big projects like Sela Tunnel, Gas Grids, and many more.

But still, many big challenges are there—like conflicts in Manipur, disputes between states, forest cutting, and issues due to illegal immigration.

To make the Act East Policy successful, India needs to fully include the Northeast into the country’s economy and listen to local people for development.

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🌏 Why Northeast is Important for India's Development?

1. Strategic Geopolitical Importance

• Northeast shares borders with 5 countries: China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

• This makes it important for India’s border security and to control China's influence.

• For example, in 2017 Doklam standoff, the Northeast region was very sensitive.

• The "Chicken's Neck" (Siliguri Corridor) is very narrow and vulnerable.

2. Energy Rich Region

• The region has huge potential for oil, gas, and hydroelectricity.

• Northeast has 7,600 million metric tonnes of oil (only 2,000 discovered).

• There is more than 50,000 MW of hydro potential in Arunachal Pradesh alone.

3. Cultural Diversity

• More than 135 tribes live here.

• These unique cultures can help India in cultural diplomacy with Southeast Asia.

• Example: In 2022 North-East Festival (Delhi), 100 MSMEs joined and improved handicraft export and tourism.

4. Ecological Hotspot

• Located in Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

• Home to rare species like:

  • 🐒 Hoolock Gibbon (only Indian ape)

  • 🦏 One-Horned Rhinoceros

  • 🐼 Red Panda

• Arunachal has 2nd highest forest cover in India (India State of Forest Report 2023).

5. Gateway to ASEAN (Act East Policy)

• Projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway will connect India to Southeast Asia markets.

• Can help India become a $5 trillion economy.

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🚨 What are the Main Problems in Northeast?

1. Ethnic Conflicts and Insurgency

• Many ethnic groups fight each other and with govt.

• Example: Manipur conflict shows how old issues are still active.

• AFSPA law is still active in many areas.

2. Weak Infrastructure

• Roads, railways, internet—all are less developed.

• Only 43% internet penetration (India average is 55%).

• From 2014–23, only 4,950 km of highway built.

• Many places still have no railway.

3. Porous and Unsafe Borders

• 5,182 km of international borders—mostly unfenced.

• Causes illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and terrorism.

• Example: Indo-Myanmar border is still open—Rohingyas enter easily.

4. Environmental Damage

• Big hydroelectric projects are harming forests and rivers.

• Example: Siang River Dam Project faced protests by locals.

5. Inter-State Boundary Fights

• States like Assam and Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, etc., fight over borders.

• Justice Chandrachud Committee report was rejected by Meghalaya in 2022.

6. Human Trafficking and Drugs

• Women and kids are trafficked due to poor border control.

• Manipur now growing opium—leading to drug abuse and HIV rise.

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💡 What Can Be Done to Develop the Northeast?

1. Build Peace and Trust

• Use dialogue and development to end insurgency.

• Give native tribes official recognition, such as the Mising, Motok, and Moran in Assam (ST status according to the Lokur Committee).

2. Better Roads, Rails & Internet

• Build highways, railways, airports, and internet fast.

• Use PM Gati Shakti and National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP).

• Bring broadband internet to remote villages.

3. Empower Local Governance

• Give more power and funds to Panchayats.

• Use schemes like DAY-NRLM and PM-DevINE to support self-help groups.

4. Eco-Friendly Industries

• Promote:

  • 🌿 Organic farming

  • 🔋 Renewable energy

  • 🏞️ Eco-tourism

  • 🧶 Forest-based products

• Do Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before any project.

5. Vocational & Digital Skills

• Start training centers for:

  • Food processing

  • Digital jobs

  • Tourism

• Use PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) in Aspirational Districts.

6. Cross-Border Trade

• Use Northeast as a trade link with ASEAN via:

  • BIMSTEC

  • India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway

• Make Free Trade Zones near borders.

7. Promote Culture-based Startups

• Support artisans, musicians, and festival organizers.

• Create online markets, incubation centers for tribal artists.

8. Smart and Sustainable Farming

• Use:

  • 🚜 Climate-smart farming

  • 🧊 Cold storage

  • 📦 Better logistics

• Mix traditional knowledge with modern agri-tech.

9. Stop Drug Problem

• Open rehab centers, run awareness programs.

• Engage youth in:

  • 🎯 Sports

  • 💼 Skill training

  • 🧠 Counseling

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✅ Conclusion: Time to Bring Northeast at Centre of Growth

India should not treat Northeast only as a border or security issue. It should be the pivot of India’s growth story with focus on 3Ts:

1. Trade

2. Tourism

3. Training for Youth

By respecting its culture, solving its problems, and connecting it with the world, Northeast can become a powerful driver of India’s growth and Act East Policy.