U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific North Eastern Dialogue: Tripura charts new growth path with ‘Crorepati Didis’ and Service Sector Drive
Agartala Oct 30: Amid the growing prominence of the Indo-Pacific Framework and the North Eastern Region (NER), Tripura is preparing for an economic leap.
Guided by a transformative and inclusive development vision, converting investment interests and MoUs into projects, creating Crorepati Didis, and expanding the service sector are emerging as the defining themes of Tripura’s new economic narrative.
Speaking at a regional dialogue on the growth potential of North East India held in Agartala, Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tripura, said the state is entering a new phase of economic progress.
“Tripura is embarking on a journey of transformation by focusing on converting investment interests and signed MoUs into tangible projects, expanding the service sector, and empowering women entrepreneurs to drive private investment in the state’s growth story,” he stated.
Gitte described the present moment as a “take-off stage” for the region’s socio-economic development. The dialogue, held under the banner of the U.S. Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific: Northeastern Dialogue**, was organized by the **Observer Research Foundation (ORF)** at Hotel Polo Towers, Agartala, on October 2, 2025.
The event is part of an 18-month U.S. government-supported initiative aimed at increasing awareness of the Indo-Pacific Strategic Framework across India’s Northeast. The project seeks to foster trade, connectivity, and economic collaboration between India and the U.S. Previous chapters of the dialogue have been hosted in Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim, Manipur, and Mizoram.
Highlighting Tripura’s preparedness for accelerated growth, Gitte pointed out that the state has developed strong foundations — including reliable digital infrastructure, efficient road and rail connectivity, a stable administration, robust banking systems, and consistent policies in sectors such as start-ups, tourism, entrepreneurship, and rubber. He underscored the government’s focus on strengthening the service sector — particularly education, healthcare, and tourism — to attract private investment and create employment opportunities.
Recalling the success of the **North East Rising Investment Summit** held earlier in New Delhi, Gitte noted that Tripura had drawn investment proposals worth ₹15,000 crore — nearly half the size of the state’s annual budget. “Our goal now is to operationalize these proposals by turning MoUs into ground-level projects that will generate jobs, build industrial capacity, and sustain private investment,” he added.
Emphasizing inclusive and gender-responsive growth, Gitte highlighted the recently launched **Tripura Women Entrepreneurship Policy**, which aims to nurture women-led enterprises and create “crorepati Didis” through strategic public investment. “Around 4.8 lakh women in Tripura are part of self-help groups. Many of them have been engaged in micro-level activities for years. The next step is to help at least one-fourth of them evolve into full-fledged entrepreneurs,” he said. The government, he added, envisions supporting nearly one lakh women in scaling up from small ventures to established businesses, thereby strengthening their contribution to the state’s economy.
The programme opened with a welcome address by **Nilanjan Ghosh**, Vice President (Development Studies) at ORF and Project Director, who highlighted Tripura’s strategic significance as India’s bridge to Bangladesh and a gateway to Southeast Asia. “By enhancing cooperation, promoting cross-border trade and connectivity, and empowering youth through innovation and entrepreneurship, Tripura can emerge as a vibrant hub of growth for the entire region,” he remarked.
Introducing the broader project, Dr. Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury, Senior Fellow at ORF and Project In-Charge, emphasized the Northeast’s pivotal role in the Indo-Pacific vision.
“The region, particularly Tripura, serves as a crucial link in the Bay of Bengal’s security and trade framework, strengthening India’s regional connectivity architecture,” she observed.
The Tripura Chapter featured three expert panel discussions on trade connectivity, economic development, and the strategic importance of the Northeast. Panellists from government, business, academia, civil society, and media shared insights, complemented by four breakout sessions that delved into the region’s developmental and strategic prospects.
