Kohima, Nov 15: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Friday that the Northeast has been placed “at the centre of national policy,” with major improvements in infrastructure, digital connectivity, and logistics transforming the region after decades of neglect.

Speaking at the launch of Project SAMARTH at the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in Kohima, Sitharaman highlighted the region’s strategic role as the “gateway to Southeast Asia” under the Act East Policy. She noted that the rapid growth of digital capabilities in the Northeast is enabling the region to access global opportunities in digital markets.

Sitharaman also encouraged students to support one another, avoid drugs and negative influences, and seize emerging opportunities. She urged them to work collectively to build a confident and resilient generation that can contribute to India’s development leading up to 2047.