New Delhi, May 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Friday said that political stability and firm leadership have put the Northeast on the path of rapid economic growth, asserting that the region is now ready to absorb large-scale investments.
Speaking at a curtain raiser of the upcoming North East India Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition here, Sangma claimed the region remained constrained in the past due to the absence of an enabling political environment.
“The overall environment and political situation make the timing (of the summit) perfect,” he said, highlighting the growing investor interest in the region.
“In the Northeast, many opportunities that could not be unlocked earlier are now opening up because of the right leadership, political stability and consistent follow-up,” Sangma said.
Stable governments have enabled effective decision-making and implementation, contributing to the current pace of growth in both India and the northeastern region, the chief minister said.
Sangma also noted that the Northeast had historically remained less exposed economically compared to other parts of the country, which is one reason the region is now witnessing a higher growth trajectory.
The summit and exhibition, being organised jointly by the Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) and various Union ministries, will bring together political leaders, industry representatives and investors. It will be held in Shillong on June 11 and 12.
Speaking at the event, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), said the Centre remained committed to supporting infrastructure-led growth and regional integration in the Northeast.
Jaju pointed out that so far in 2026, the Centre has spent Rs 1 lakh crore, “the highest ever”, on schemes across sectors in the region.
“While the government of India is putting in its might, real development will come when entrepreneurs join hands for business interests,” Jaju said.
Referring to the northeastern states as “Ashtalakshmi”, he said the region occupies a central place in India’s development vision, and highlighted Meghalaya and Shillong as emerging hubs for infrastructure, investment, tourism and entrepreneurship.
