Speaking at the launch of ‘Agri-Youth Parliament-2026’ in Imphal’s Central Agricultural University, he described the event as a vital forum for Northeast’s agri-future.

Bhalla praised the region’s endowments, from abundant natural assets to diverse flora and indigenous farming wisdom. He cited local gems like the nutritious black rice Chak-hao, tangy Kachai lemons, and juicy Tamenglong oranges.

These, he said, embody Manipur’s heritage and offer huge potential for global markets through R&D, processing upgrades, and better supply chains.

Key recommendations included modernizing age-old practices, climate-adaptive cropping, robust infra development, and nurturing young agripreneurs.

The program, running three days under the banner ‘Futuristic Agriculture for Northeast India: Sustainability, Innovation, and Opportunities,’ delves into cutting-edge research and tech breakthroughs.

The Governor inspected displays alongside VC Anupam Mishra and engaged with budding innovators.

Dignitaries like Dipjyoti Rajkhowa joined students, faculty, scientists, and business minds in vibrant deliberations.

A special souvenir-cum-report was unveiled, promising to foster dialogues, knowledge sharing, and collaborations for sustainable, inclusive agri-growth across the Northeast.

Operations began in stages after rigorous testing of critical systems like check-in, baggage handling, security, and flight coordination. The terminal’s formal inauguration occurred on December 20, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who envisioned it as a cornerstone for regional growth.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma graced the launch alongside Adani Airport Holdings’ Director Jeet Adani. The ceremony featured the inaugural boarding pass presentation and the touchdown of Mumbai-bound Akasa Air flight at the new facility. Vibrant cultural displays, including deep prajwalit and performances by local artisans, tea workers, staff, and security forces, added a festive touch.

Sarma commended Adani Group’s execution of a massive Rs 50,000 crore investment promise from the ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ summit, predicting a surge in tourism and economic transformation. Jeet Adani echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the project’s alignment with escalating regional travel needs and long-term development.

Guwahati Airport has rapidly ascended the ranks of India’s busiest non-metro airports, handling over 9 million passengers in recent years and securing a spot in the top 10-12. The expanded capacity unlocks opportunities for more routes and global links, serving 21 domestic spots and international gateways to Bangkok, Paro, and Singapore via 130+ daily flights.

The architectural marvel, crafted by international architect Nuru Karim, mirrors the delicate Kopou flower of Assam. Sustainable elements shine through with more than 140 metric tons of bamboo, fusing Assamese weaving traditions and Apatani tribal motifs from Arunachal Pradesh.

Under Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) via Guwahati International Airport Limited, the airport joins a prestigious portfolio including Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Mangaluru, underscoring AAHL’s expanding footprint in Indian aviation.

The trigger was a contestant’s heartfelt account of the slurs and ridicule faced daily—labels like ‘Chinki’ or ‘Chinese’ hurled at people for their looks. Akshay’s expression turned somber as he absorbed the pain behind the words.

In a touching gesture, he summoned his longtime makeup artist Kin from Manipur. Kin detailed his struggles with casual discrimination in Mumbai’s bustling life, where he’s often sidelined as ‘foreign.’

‘Your words hit me hard today,’ Akshay admitted emotionally. He lambasted such behavior as antithetical to India’s multicultural ethos. ‘We can’t mock someone’s appearance under the guise of humor,’ he asserted.

Extending his message nationwide, Akshay highlighted the Northeast’s contributions: ‘From Naga soldiers in battles to heroes in Kargil and Bangladesh’s freedom struggle, they’ve proven their patriotism time and again. They are fully Indian.’

The segment has gone viral, igniting debates on national identity and unity. Celebrities and activists have rallied behind Akshay, hoping this moment inspires broader awareness and action against deep-seated biases.

Success has been achieved in Walong, where 139,800 liters of water from air missions successfully smothered the blaze. Air Force posts on X detail ongoing missions in Zunukhu Valley, Nagaland, where MI-17 V5 choppers battle steep inclines, low visibility, and rarefied air, refilling from Padum Pukhuri Lake.

In Anjaw district, soldiers are tackling fires at elevations between 3,000 and 3,500 feet, synergizing ground efforts with aerial bombardment. Army videos capture the high-drama action: rotors thundering over fiery hillsides, unleashing torrents, backed by teams wielding advanced firefighting equipment.

Sparking on February 13, these fires are fueled by prolonged dry spells and slash-and-burn jhum farming. Previous ops in Lohit Valley above 9,500 feet delivered over 12,000 liters to hotspots, shielding delicate ecosystems amid harsh weather.

Guwahati-based defense sources reveal non-stop 24/7 aerial reconnaissance and drops over five days in extreme conditions. This coordinated assault highlights the armed forces’ prowess in environmental crises, ensuring the Northeast’s vital forests are preserved for future generations.

Meghalaya clinched the second spot among India’s fastest-growing states with a 9.66% real GSDP increase in 2024-25, trailing only Tamil Nadu. Uniquely, it maintained an average 10% growth over two years post-pandemic, a national standout. The governor called this performance ‘exceptional’.

The blueprint for future progress is ‘Vision 2032’, targeting a threefold economy expansion from 2022 benchmarks, elevated per capita income, and top-10 status in sustainable development. The ‘Meghalaya Excellence Framework’ operationalizes these goals as the state’s master plan.

Breakthroughs span agriculture, infrastructure like roads and power, water resources, investment incentives, digital tech, telecom, and booming tourism. Investments in health, education, employment schemes, and welfare programs are intensifying. Fifteen major projects exceeding ₹12,000 crore, backed by international partners, target critical areas from highways to eco-tourism.

PM-DEVIN and other Union initiatives are supercharging linkages and visitor facilities. Over ₹1,800 crore in private funds have flowed in, eyeing ₹8,000 crore more by 2032 for 50,000+ jobs. Streamlined admin, online services, and business-friendly policies have uplifted transparency and efficiency.

National recognition came via the 2025-26 Economic Survey praising Meghalaya’s innovative climate adaptation through community-led spring mapping and water initiatives. Infrastructure push, power sector overhauls, and green focus promise broad-based prosperity ahead.

Engineered for durability in a seismically active belt, the structure boasts friction pendulum bearings for base isolation, high-performance stay cables, and a real-time Bridge Health Monitoring System. These innovations guarantee safety and longevity amid the region’s challenging terrain and frequent tremors.

Modi’s visit packed a double punch: he also commissioned the Northeast’s inaugural Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) in Dibrugarh’s Moran on a 4.2-km national highway stretch. Capable of handling fighter jets and civilian planes, it offers vital backup during emergencies, strengthening aerial operations near borders.

The IAF stole the show post-launch with a thrilling display—Rafales, Sukhois, and MiGs thundering down the highway runway. Over 100,000 attendees cheered the spectacle, marking a milestone in national security. This ELF enhances swift deployment in critical zones, blending civilian highway use with military might.

These projects exemplify India’s push for ‘Atmanirbhar’ infrastructure, fostering trade, tourism, and defense resilience. As Modi put it, ‘Connectivity is the bridge to progress.’ Assam’s transformation accelerates, promising jobs, growth, and unbreakable links.

The PM’s arrival via an IAF plane that utilized the very strip it was meant to inaugurate set the tone for the day’s spectacles. Greeted by top state and central leaders including CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Modi then marveled at an electrifying air display. Rafale, Sukhoi, and MiG jets thundered across the sky, performing precision maneuvers that captivated a crowd exceeding 100,000.

A detailed presentation by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh illuminated the ELF’s specs: engineered to accommodate combat jets weighing up to 40 tons and hefty transport aircraft up to 74 tons at takeoff. The absence of a central divider ensures hassle-free landings and departures, a design ingenuity tailored for high-stakes emergencies.

Nestled close to the India-China frontier, Moran ELF emerges as a game-changer for IAF flexibility. In recent years, escalating tensions in the area have underscored the need for such agile infrastructure. This facility empowers quicker mobilizations, bolstering surveillance and deterrence postures without reliance on conventional airfields.

Government sources emphasize the ELF’s dual-use potential for military and civilian aircraft, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to national security. As upper Assam gears up with this strategic asset, it signals India’s broader push to strengthen Northeast defenses. The event, alive with cheers and jet roars, symbolizes not just technological triumph but a resolute vision for regional stability and progress.

As a bustling gateway to Northeast India, Tinsukia sees heavy passenger and cargo traffic, making it a prime target. The simulation plunged participants into chaos: fictional bomb plants, sabotage plots, and attack sequences that mirrored potential real attacks.

Joint participation from Army special forces, state police, GRP, and civil authorities underscored the multi-agency synergy. Emphasis was placed on instant threat assessment, efficient evacuations, casualty triage, explosive neutralization, and operational recovery.

The exercise rigorously evaluated SOPs, pinpointed weaknesses, and enhanced cross-agency compatibility. Scenarios unfolded with precision, showcasing the Army’s elite units mastering control in record time.

‘Routine joint drills like this are essential for Northeast security,’ said the Army’s PRO Defence. They build resilience against persistent terror risks while reassuring the public.

Community feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with locals appreciating the visible commitment to safety. The Indian Army vows to sustain such rigorous training, safeguarding vital infrastructure and public welfare against all odds.

In his address, Scindia invoked PM Modi’s transformative ‘Ashtalakshmi’ framework, positioning Northeast India as a vibrant growth hub rather than a peripheral frontier. This vision is materializing through targeted infrastructure leaps.

The spotlight fell on Rs 270 crore worth of finished works, including the crucial 13.775 km Jatanbari-Mandirghat-Tirthamukh highway and the 28.90 km upgraded Erarpar-Ambas a KA Road. Better roads mean smoother commutes to schools, healthcare centers, and markets, sparking economic vitality in rural pockets.

Connectivity gains extend to tribal communities via the 8 km Gandachera-Raishyabari-Narikel Kunja route, bridging isolated settlements to urban hubs and vital amenities for holistic inclusion.

Tourism receives a major fillip with improved links from Amarpur’s Fatiksagar to Chhabimura, inviting travelers to Tripura’s mesmerizing rock art and scenic landscapes. This influx promises revenue streams for local craftspeople and hospitality providers.

A flagship PM-DEVINE solar micro-grid initiative will light up off-grid villages with sustainable energy, revolutionizing access to learning, medical aid, and income sources.

Looking ahead, three upcoming Rs 95 crore road projects—Kowaiprung (Panjirai)-Karbuk (9.10 km), Jampui-Kangrai, and Burighat-Serumun-II—will fortify links in rugged terrains, keeping remote zones connected and thriving.

Scindia revealed that over 12 years, the Centre has channeled more than Rs 6.5 lakh crore into Northeast development, mandating 10% budget shares from all ministries. Tripura, under CM Manik Saha’s stewardship, exemplifies this collaborative success, pioneering in multifaceted growth.

In his note to Meghalaya’s Conrad Sangma, Modi depicted the state as a paradise of scenic wonders and time-honored traditions upheld by its indigenous tribes. He applauded the locals’ environmental ethos and initiatives uplifting women, calling them beacons of inspiration.

The PM fondly remembered his Shillong trip in 2016 and honored P.A. Sangma’s contributions on his decennial remembrance, noting how his stewardship fueled Meghalaya’s ascent.

Addressing Tripura’s Dr. Manik Saha, Modi hailed the state’s cultural richness and energetic citizens. He reflected on his recent Navratri pilgrimage to Tripura Sundari Temple in 2025, inspecting enhancement works that promise to elevate this sacred site.

Praising fiscal reforms and rising investments, Modi noted how Saha’s administration has spawned employment avenues, empowering the youth and signaling Tripura’s economic renaissance.

Modi’s letter to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla extolled the state’s artistic excellence and athletic achievements, which mirror national pride worldwide.

He drew parallels to the independence struggle, spotlighting Netaji’s momentous act in Manipur. The PM vowed that the heroic sacrifices of its people would resonate eternally, fueling ongoing progress.

Through these epistles, Modi bridges historical pride with future aspirations, cementing the Northeast’s pivotal role in India’s growth story.