Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday shared an article authored by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, which explores how the Northeastern region is transforming into India’s natural gateway to Southeast Asia.
“In this insightful article, Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia shares his experience of visiting the North East, describing its beauty and the indomitable spirit of its people. Highlighting the North East as ‘Ashtalakshmi’, the Minister explains how it is becoming India’s natural gateway to Southeast Asia. He emphasises that the North East is not just India’s frontier, it is now its forward face,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Earlier, Scindia shared the link to his article on X and reflected on his recent visit to Meghalaya and Assam. “During my recent visit to Meghalaya and Assam, I had the privilege of observing nature at its most authentic, where the grandeur of the environment is complemented by the cultural richness of the communities that inhabit it,” he said. He added that under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, the Northeast is emerging as a true growth engine of Bharat – “rooted in tradition, powered by innovation, and strengthened by the resilience of its people.”
In his article, Scindia recounted his journey through the scenic and spiritually enriching landscapes of Assam and Meghalaya. He described how the government’s efforts under the “Act East” and “Viksit Bharat” visions are transforming the Northeast from a landlocked region into a land-linked hub of connectivity, commerce, and culture.
Scindia highlighted several key projects during his visit, including the Integrated Sohra Tourism Circuit under the PM-DevINE scheme – a ₹233-crore initiative aimed at promoting sustainable tourism in Meghalaya. He also laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹635 crore in Assam, ranging from schools and bridges to industrial estates designed to support youth entrepreneurship and community-based tourism.
A significant part of his article celebrated the North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati, envisioned as a hub for innovation and collaboration that connects research, local entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
Recounting his visit to Meghalaya’s famed living root bridges and the ancient Mawmluh Cave, Scindia described his experiences as deeply spiritual and symbolic of India’s own journey of growth and self-discovery. “These bridges stand strong for centuries, a living testament to the truth that patience and balance with nature outlast haste and human conquest,” he wrote.
Emphasizing PM Modi’s ‘Act East, Act Fast, Act First’ vision, Scindia stated that the Northeast is now India’s “forward face” – a region where “nature, progress, and people breathe together.”
He concluded by calling the eight Northeastern states the “Ashtalakshmi” of India – eight radiant jewels in Bharat’s crown – each contributing to the nation’s march towards a Viksit Bharat that is proud, inclusive, and deeply rooted in its heritage.
“As connectivity deepens through new air routes, highways, and digital corridors, the Northeast is emerging as India’s natural gateway to Southeast Asia,” Scindia wrote, reflecting the spirit of transformation that defines the region’s rise.