‘Northeast to become ‘growth engine’ of India’s travel economy’

The Northeast will emerge as a “growth engine” of India’s travel economy in the coming years, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Tuesday, highlighting the region’s improving connectivity, natural beauty, culture, crafts and cuisine.

Shekhawat made the remarks while interacting with reporters on the sidelines of the North East India Infrastructure Summit & Exhibition 2026, held in Meghalaya’s capital Shillong between June 15 and 16.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the region, the minister said the Northeast has been identified as the country’s “Ashtalakshmi” and pointed to the infrastructure development that has taken place across the region.

“The way the work on connectivity is being done continuously, and the natural beauty it is endowed with, along with a variety of experiences of culture, craft (and) cuisines…Northeast has everything on a platter to offer to whatever a tourist can desire or dream of,” the Union minister said.

In the coming years, the region will become “a growth engine of India’s travel economy,” he told reporters.

Hundreds of delegates from governments of various Northeastern states and the industry sector, among others, gathered in Shillong for the first-of-its-kind event at the Lariti Performing Centre.

Shillong, often referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East’, is known for its rich natural landscape, historic buildings and the sprawling Shillong Golf Course, which was built in the late 19th century.

The wider Northeast region, comprising eight states, is home to numerous historic locations and cultural and natural heritage sites, including Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges.

A replica of the Living Root Bridge was showcased at the Meghalaya Eco-Pavilion during the summit.

The inaugural ceremony on Monday was attended by Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and several other dignitaries.

Earlier on Tuesday, a recorded address by Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu was played during a thematic session at the summit.

Following a meeting with chief executive officers, Shekhawat was also taken on a tour of the exhibition area at the venue.

On Monday, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also attended the summit.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal said the Northeast has truly become the “fulcrum of India” and asserted that the “Ashtalakshmi story” was unfolding at an accelerated pace, driving an inclusive, sustainable and globally competitive future.