Syllabus:
GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS3: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Context:
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) recently organised the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 and attracted investment proposals worth over 4 Lakh Crore rupees.
Key highlights of the summit
- Prime Minister of India said at the start of the summit that India’s northeast is not a “frontier region” any more, it is the “frontrunner of growth.”
- Delegations from over 80 countries, from Japan to Europe to ASEAN nations, participated in the two-day summit.
- It was highlighted in the summit about North East region untapped renewable energy resources, including over 129 GW potential from large hydro projects and more than 18 GW from pumped storage plants.
- These natural advantages, coupled with rising energy demand and strategic cross-border positioning, make the region central to India’s green growth plans.
Investment and Government Support
A total of 115 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹38,856 crore has been signed between North eastern state governments and private investors in Renewable Energy sector.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has earmarked 10% of its annual scheme budget exclusively for the North Eastern Region, to promote clean energy development in the region.
The MNRE is also extending enhanced financial assistance to further encourage investment, which includes
- A 10% higher Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- A 20% higher CFA for Components B and C of the PM-KUSUM scheme.
Key Projects and Capacity Building
- A 20 MW solar park has been successfully commissioned in Champhai district of Mizoram.
- A 25 MW green hydrogen plant is under development in Assam, which also hosts India’s first pure green hydrogen plant.
- More than 2000 individuals in the region have been trained under various programmes such as Suryamitra, Varunmitra and Jal Urjamitra.
Northeast as India’s Gateway to Clean Energy Exports
The strategic importance of the region is emphasized due to its proximity to Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, making it ideal for cross-border electricity trade.
During the summit it was also highlighted about the global shift towards:
- Carbon neutrality
- Green certification
- International standards such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Investing in renewable energy in the North East will help India meet emerging global sustainability benchmarks.