Act East Policy Drives Fourfold GDP Growth in Northeast: PMO
New Delhi Dec 14: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia’s analysis of the Nagaland Hornbill Festival has been leveraged by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to underscore the profound economic success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development vision and the ‘Act East’ policy in the Northeast.
The PMO also spotlighted Nagaland’s renowned Hornbill Festival, endorsing it as a vibrant expression of India’s cultural essence and a powerful symbol of the Northeast’s expanding role in the national discourse.
According to Scindia’s article, which was spotlighted by the PMO today, the Prime Minister’s vision has successfully brought the Northeast to the centre of India’s growth trajectory by harnessing its immense economic strength and human resources.
The Hornbill Festival itself is presented as a cultural platform demonstrating that “sustainable development gains strength when it is deeply rooted in local identity.”
Commending PM Modi’s leadership, Scindia noted that the ‘Act East’ policy has opened trade routes worth nearly $10 billion with ASEAN nations. This move has positioned Nagaland as a “crucial gateway” in the broader regional development narrative.
The article details that these initiatives have extended beyond physical infrastructure, serving as vital economic channels that have contributed to a fourfold increase in the region’s GDP since 2014.
Scindia also highlighted Nagaland’s rich biodiversity, ecotourism potential, skill base, and culinary traditions as realities experienced in everyday life, all contributing to the state’s developmental narrative.
Sharing an article authored by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on social media platform X, the PMO emphasized the festival’s reflection of “human creativity, seamlessly blending age-old traditions with modern expressions.” The PMO reiterated that India’s overall progress is inseparable from the advancement of the Northeast.
The Union Minister’s piece highlights the strategic and cultural importance of the region, noting that the Northeast now represents a “confident and forward-looking India.”
The festival, hosted at Kisama Heritage Village, was described by Scindia as a striking confluence of tradition and modernity, showcasing the traditional music and dances of all 17 Naga tribes during the day, alongside contemporary cultural forms and the excitement of the Hornbill International Rock Contest in the evenings.
The article championed the philosophy of “Vikas bhi, virasat bhi” (development with heritage), positioning the Hornbill Festival as a leading international example of unity anchored in tradition. Scindia added that Nagaland goes beyond hosting festivals and truly lives the spirit of celebration, justifying its identity as the “Land of Festivals.” (Edited)
