Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday declared that the Northeast has moved beyond being India’s “last mile” and is now emerging as the nation’s first gateway to Southeast Asia. Speaking after attending the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Sarma emphasized that the region’s strategic role is being reshaped through the Act East Policy.

In a series of posts on ‘X’, he highlighted that the Northeast is increasingly connecting markets, cultures, and opportunities across borders. “Through the Act East Policy, it is becoming Bharat’s first gateway to Southeast Asia, linking markets, cultures and opportunities across borders,” he wrote, underscoring the region’s growing importance in India’s international outreach.

Sarma’s remarks reflect a broader vision of positioning the Northeast as a hub of connectivity and economic integration, aligning with India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations.