North-East to lead ‘heal in India’ mission: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday outlined a comprehensive vision for the North-East region as a global hub for wellness, tourism, and digital innovation.

Speaking at the Rising North East Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of the Heal in India initiative, which aims to establish India as a global provider of health and wellness solutions. He highlighted the North-East’s natural advantages—its rich biodiversity, pristine environment, and organic way of life—as ideal for wellness tourism and urged investors to see the region as an integral part of the Heal in India mission.

“The North-East offers the perfect climate and ecological diversity for wellness-driven industries. This makes it a critical component of India’s global health and wellness roadmap,” he said.

Emphasizing the region’s vibrant cultural heritage, the Prime Minister praised its deep-rooted traditions in music, dance, and festivals, positioning the North-East as a complete tourism destination. He noted that the area is well-suited for international conferences, concerts, and even destination weddings.

“As development reaches every corner of the North-East, the tourism sector has experienced a surge in growth. Tourist numbers have doubled, leading to a rise in homestays, employment for young guides, and a thriving travel ecosystem,” he added.

He called for greater investment in eco-tourism and cultural tourism, stating that the region holds vast untapped potential.

Touching upon security, the Prime Minister emphasized that peace and stability are vital for sustained development. “Our government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and insurgency,” he said. He recalled the earlier perception of the North-East as a conflict-prone area, plagued by blockades and unrest. “That image has changed. In the last 10–11 years, over 10,000 youth have shunned violence and embraced peace through several landmark peace agreements,” he said.

This, he said, has opened new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship in the region.

Highlighting the impact of the MUDRA Yojana, PM Modi said that financial support worth thousands of crores has been extended to lakhs of young entrepreneurs in the North-East. He also pointed to the growing network of educational institutions that are skilling the youth for future challenges.

“The youth of the North-East are not just consumers of the internet—they are becoming digital innovators,” he said, adding that over 13,000 kilometres of optical fibre have been laid in the region, alongside the expansion of 4G and 5G coverage.

He remarked that the North-East is fast emerging as India’s digital gateway, with young entrepreneurs launching impactful startups across sectors.

The Rising North East Investors Summit, being held on May 23–24, is aimed at attracting both domestic and international investment to unlock the region’s potential as a driver of economic growth and innovation.