NITI Aayog convened an interaction with Chief Ministers of all eight North-Eastern States—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—on June 12, 2026, to deliberate on development priorities, innovations, and challenges. The meeting was chaired by Shri Ashok Lahiri, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, along with other Members and the CEO, and saw participation from Chief Secretaries and senior officers from the states.
Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, emphasized the region's transformation into a key growth engine and highlighted the state's hydropower potential. He stressed the need for enhanced skills and capacity building and shared innovative governance initiatives like Sarkar Aapke Dwar, Seva Aapke Dwar, and Cabinet Aapke Dwar for efficient service delivery and grievance redressal.
Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, noted the state's emergence as the fastest-growing in India with significant strides in social development indicators. He appreciated the tripartite MoU signed between the Government of India, Assam, and Nagaland for mineral oil operations in boundary areas as a model of cooperative development and stressed balanced development to avoid regional disparities.
Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, emphasized that economic growth must translate into human development and shared the state's 'Transformation Journey 2032' vision. He highlighted the role of Externally Aided Projects in creating critical assets and advocated for greater inter-state collaboration in trade, exports, and environmental sustainability.
Shri Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram, highlighted the state's tourism potential, noting a manifold increase in tourist footfall over four years, driven by community-based tourism models. He sought support for the Mizoram Ginger Mission and greater flexibility in Centrally Sponsored Schemes to address eligibility challenges.
Shri Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland, emphasized the need for continued support from the 15th Finance Commission to sustain development momentum. He highlighted opportunities in infrastructure, oil and gas exploration, agriculture, and improved market access for products like Nagaland coffee.
Shri Y. Khemchand Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, focused on rehabilitation and resettlement efforts, stressing the need for robust monitoring mechanisms for reconstruction and housing initiatives to support affected communities.
Shri Prem Singh Tamang, Chief Minister of Sikkim, discussed the critical role of tourism, connectivity, and digital infrastructure. He called for commercially viable air connectivity, improved digital infrastructure, and continuation of the North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS) to promote industrial growth and employment.
Dr. Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, highlighted geographical constraints, international borders, and skill gaps, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. He called for enhanced trade and connectivity infrastructure, including integrated check posts, rail services, and air connectivity, and highlighted potential in bamboo, rubber, textiles, pharmaceuticals, sports, and tourism. Tripura is among the first states to prepare a Viksit Tripura vision document.
The discussions covered successful initiatives and policy innovations across sectors like agriculture, rural development, healthcare, education, skill development, tourism, livelihoods, and infrastructure. In concluding remarks, Ms. Joram Aniya, Member of NITI Aayog, noted the issues and suggestions raised and committed to working with central ministries to facilitate the region's development.