Northeast to be gateway for trade with Southeast Asia: Modi

India’s northeast is not a “frontier region” any more, it is the “frontrunner of growth,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pitching for investments in the eight States that constitute the region

Inaugurating the Rising Northeast Summit, the Prime Minister said that the region offers wide range of economic and industrial opportunities. India has “new dreams” for the northeast, he said, adding that the region would emerge as a gateway for trade with southeast Asia over the next decade

The event comes against the backdrop of the May 17 order by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade to close land ports with Bangladesh

India is termed as the most diverse nation in the world. But our northeast is the most diverse part of our diverse nation. From trade to tradition, textile to tourism, northeast’s diversity is a very big strength of the region

He listed the bio-economy, bamboo, tea production, petroleum, sports and eco-tourism as some of the areas where the region is an emerging hub. “Northeast is the powerhouse of energy,” said Mr. Modi, describing the region’s eight States as ‘Ashta Lakshmis’, or the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi

The Prime Minister said that the northeast would emerge as a gateway to trade with the ASEAN bloc over the coming decade. Northeast will be a strong bridge of trade with Southeast Asia.

“East does not mean just direction for us. It means, Empower, Act, Strengthen and Transform. This is our government’s policy for eastern India,” Mr. Modi said

The northeast’s economic future received considerable attention in March when Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus described the region as “land locked” and offered his country as the “guardian of the ocean” that could help China access the region’s commercial space. India had strongly objected to that characterisation

India will take up terror funding charges against Pakistan to make a case for putting it back in the “grey list” of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terror financing watchdog, government sources said

India is, specifically, planning to flag Pakistan’s non-compliance of the legal provisions that it had committed itself to when it was taken off the grey list in 2022. Pakistan had been included in the grey list in 2018, and had been removed from it in 2022.

Being in this list adversely impacts FDI and capital flows as businesses have to undertake enhanced due diligence. Government officials had earlier said this had helped curtail illicit fund flows from Pakistan into India, especially into J&K

At present, FATF has put 25 countries including Kenya, Monaco, Nepal, South Africa, Vietnam in the grey list and three countries — North Korea, Iran and Myanmar — in the black list

To initiate a nomination process demanding a grey list status for Pakistan, India will require the support of other FATF member countries. The plenary is the decision-making body of the FATF, which meets three times a year, usually in February, June and October. The FATF has 40 members, and over 200 jurisdictions have committed to the FATF recommendations through the FATF-Style Regional Bodies.

Separately, India will raise objections to a review of World Bank funding to Pakistan which is also slated for June. In January this year, World Bank and Pakistan launched a new Pakistan Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for FY2026-35, outlining areas of strategic collaboration between the Bank and Pakistan for the coming decade including indicative lending of $20 billion between FY26-35

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (CCI India) said  that Bharat Seva Kendra (BRK) is helping to bridge the urban-rural divide by bringing essential services at the doorstep of every citizen.

Bharat Seva Kendra (BSK) is an initiative aimed at providing various government services and benefits to villagers in India. These centers serve as a one-stop solution for accessing government schemes, services, and information in rural areas.

Bharat Seva Kendra aims to bridge the gap between rural citizens and government services, promoting transparency and accountability in service delivery. It is crucial for villagers to utilize these centers to benefit from various government initiatives effectively.

The Bharat Seva Kendra network empowers rural communities by making essential services accessible at their doorstep. By minimizing the need for villagers to travel long distances to government offices, these centers save time, effort, and resources, significantly enhancing their convenience. The initiative also focuses on raising awareness about various welfare schemes and ensuring that the benefits reach the most deserving individuals in society.

A key feature of Bharat Seva Kendra is its emphasis on digital inclusion. Equipped with modern infrastructure, these centers offer digital literacy programs, enabling villagers to interact with technology and avail themselves of e-governance services seamlessly. This approach not only modernizes rural India but also ensures that villagers are part of the country''s digital transformation journey.

In a landmark statement at the Modi Rising Northeast Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that Northeast India is no longer a frontier region, but the frontrunner of growth. Over the next decade, the region is set to emerge as the Northeast India trade gateway, connecting India to the dynamic markets of Southeast Asia.

This policy shift is crucial for aspirants preparing for SSC, UPSC, and other government exams where economic geography, current affairs, and international trade policy are key topics. The rise of the Northeast India trade gateway represents a significant development in India's strategic and economic roadmap.

What is the “Northeast India Trade Gateway”?

The term Northeast India trade gateway refers to the strategic plan to transform India’s northeastern states into a hub for international trade.

Located close to Southeast Asia, the region is geographically positioned to serve as a bridge for trade routes between India and countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Malaysia.

This transformation is aligned with the Act East Policy 2025, a central pillar of India’s foreign policy, aimed at strengthening connectivity, commerce, and cultural exchange between India and the ASEAN bloc through the Northeast India trade gateway.

Key Highlights from the Modi Rising Northeast Summit

PM Modi announced that the eight northeastern states, often referred to as the Ashta Lakshmi, would become key drivers of trade, industry, and growth—further reinforcing the vision of a strong Northeast India trade gateway.

The summit emphasized Northeast India investment opportunities in:

• Bio-economy and organic agriculture

• Bamboo and tea exports

• Petroleum reserves

• Eco-tourism and sports-based industries

“East does not just mean a direction—it means Empower, Act, Strengthen and Transform,” Modi said in his speech on Northeast development. This vision directly supports the development of the Northeast India trade gateway.

Link to International Trade: India’s Trade Route to Southeast Asia

The Northeast India trade gateway is central to building a sustainable and efficient India Southeast Asia trade route, enabling better logistics, reduced transportation costs, and enhanced connectivity.

As part of growing India ASEAN trade relations, the Northeast will become a logistics corridor, handling goods through improved road, rail, and air infrastructure.

Enhanced access to the Bay of Bengal will facilitate land-sea connectivity, making the Northeast India trade gateway a key node in India’s international trade network.

Recent Development: India Bangladesh Land Port Closure

The relevance of the Northeast India trade gateway was further highlighted by the May 17 order from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade to close land ports with Bangladesh.

India clarified that it was a temporary administrative action, not a retreat from trade relations.

Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus had controversially referred to the Northeast as “landlocked” and positioned his country as a “guardian of the ocean”, which sparked criticism from India.

These developments show the geopolitical stakes and underscore the importance of the Northeast India trade gateway under international trade law and diplomacy.

Northeast India Economic Growth: From Isolation to Integration

The rise of the Northeast India trade gateway is backed by rapid economic and infrastructural changes:

• Bharatmala and Sagarmala projects improving regional connectivit

• SEZs promoting exports and attracting FDI

• Growth in sectors like handicrafts, handlooms, spices, and organic farming

• Collaboration between public and private sectors for regional development

Such developments support Northeast India economic growth, making the Northeast India trade gateway a reality rather than a concept.

Government Strategy: Act East Policy 2025

The Act East Policy 2025 envisions the Northeast India trade gateway as the face of India’s eastern economic and diplomatic strategy.

• It promotes regional collaboration in energy, transport, and cross-border trade

• It enhances India’s connectivity with Southeast Asia

• It strengthens India’s position in India ASEAN trade relations

This vision of the Northeast India trade gateway aligns with the government’s goal to transform the Northeast into a prosperous trade zone.

Why This is Important for SSC Aspirants

This topic can appear in various sections of competitive exams like SSC, especially:

• Geography: Trade routes, strategic regional development

• Polity & Economy: Trade policy, infrastructure projects

• Current Affairs: India-Bangladesh relations, summits, ASEAN engagement

Key Focus Areas:

• Role of the Northeast India trade gateway

• Importance of the Act East Policy 2025

• India’s position in Southeast Asian trade

• Strategic implications of land port closures

Key Takeaways

• The Northeast India trade gateway is central to India’s vision for regional integration and global trade.

• PM Modi’s statements at the Rising Northeast Summit highlight a decisive shift in economic planning.

• Strategic policies like the Act East Policy 2025 and infrastructural upgrades are laying the foundation for regional prosperity.

• Recent developments, including the India Bangladesh land port closure, reflect the complex dynamics of international trade law in this region.

SSC aspirants should stay updated on this topic due to its relevance across multiple subjects.

Conclusion

The Northeast India trade gateway is not just a regional aspiration—it is a national strategy with global implications. As India continues to deepen ties with Southeast Asia, the Northeast will play a pivotal role. For SSC and other competitive exams, this topic is highly relevant and should be part of every aspirant’s current affairs preparation.