Published By : Admin |
February 25, 2025 | 13:15 IST
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This week, India reinforced its position as a formidable force on the world stage, making headway in artificial intelligence, energy security, space exploration, and defence. From shaping global AI ethics to securing strategic partnerships, every move reflects India's growing influence in global affairs.
And when it comes to diplomacy and negotiation, even world leaders acknowledge India's strength. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his tough negotiating style, put it simply:
With India actively shaping global conversations, let’s take a look at some of the biggest developments this week.
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AI for All: India and France Lead a Global Movement
The future of AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about ethics and inclusivity. India and France co-hosted the Summit for Action on AI in Paris, where 60 countries backed a declaration calling for AI that is "open," "inclusive," and "ethical." As artificial intelligence becomes a geopolitical battleground, India is endorsing a balanced approach—one that ensures technological progress without compromising human values.
A Nuclear Future: India and France Strengthen Energy Security
In a world increasingly focused on clean energy, India is stepping up its nuclear power game. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed their commitment to developing small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), a paradigm shift in the transition to a low-carbon economy. With energy security at the heart of India’s strategy, this collaboration is a step toward long-term sustainability.
Gaganyaan: India’s Space Dream Inches Closer
India’s ambitions to send astronauts into space took a major leap forward as the budget for the Gaganyaan mission was raised to $2.32 billion. This is more than just a scientific milestone—it’s about proving that India is ready to stand alongside the world’s leading space powers. A successful human spaceflight will set the stage for future interplanetary missions, pushing India's space program to new frontiers.
India’s Semiconductor Push: Lam Research Bets Big
The semiconductor industry is the backbone of modern technology, and India wants a bigger share of the pie. US chip toolmaker Lam Research announced a $1 billion investment in India, signalling confidence in the country’s potential to become a global chip manufacturing hub. As major companies seek alternatives to traditional semiconductor strongholds like Taiwan, India is positioning itself as a serious contender in the global supply chain.
Defence Partnerships: A New Era in US-India Military Ties
The US and India are expanding their defence cooperation, with discussions of a future F-35 fighter jet deal on the horizon. The latest agreements also include increased US military sales to India, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Meanwhile, India is also deepening its energy cooperation with the US, securing new oil and gas import agreements that reinforce economic and security ties.
Energy Security: India Locks in LNG Supply from the UAE
With global energy markets facing volatility, India is taking steps to secure long-term energy stability. New multi-billion-dollar LNG agreements with ADNOC will provide India with a steady and reliable supply of natural gas, reducing its exposure to price fluctuations. As India moves toward a cleaner energy future, such partnerships are critical to maintaining energy security while keeping costs in check.
UAE Visa Waiver: A Boon for Indian Travelers
For Indians residing in Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, visiting the UAE just became a lot simpler. A new visa waiver, effective February 13, will save Dh750 per person and eliminate lengthy approval processes. This move makes travel to the UAE more accessible and strengthens business and cultural ties between the two countries.
A Gift of Friendship: Trump’s Gesture to Modi
During his visit to India, Donald Trump presented Prime Minister Modi with a personalized book chronicling their long-standing friendship. Beyond the usual diplomatic formalities, this exchange reflects the personal bonds that sometimes shape international relations as much as policies do.
Memory League Champion: India’s New Star of Mental Speed
India is making its mark in unexpected ways, too. Vishvaa Rajakumar, a 20-year-old Indian college student, stunned the world by memorizing 80 random numbers in just 13.5 seconds,winning the Memory League World Championship. His incredible feat underscores India’s growing reputation for mental agility and cognitive
excellence on the global stage.
India isn’t just participating in global affairs—it’s shaping them. Whether it’s setting ethical AI standards, securing energy independence, leading in space exploration, or expanding defence partnerships, the country is making bold, strategic moves that solidify its role as a global leader.
As the world takes note of India’s rise, one thing is clear: this journey is just getting started.
Today, North East is emerging as the ‘Front-Runner of Growth’: PM Modi at Rising North East Investors Summit
May 23, 2025
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The Northeast is the most diverse region of our diverse nation: PM
For us, EAST means - Empower, Act, Strengthen and Transform: PM
There was a time when the North East was merely called a Frontier Region.. Today, it is emerging as the ‘Front-Runner of Growth’: PM
The North East is a complete package for tourism: PM
Be it terrorism or Maoist elements spreading unrest, our government follows a policy of zero tolerance: PM
The North East is becoming a key destination for sectors like energy and semiconductors: PM
My colleagues in the Union Cabinet Jyotiraditya Scindia ji and Sukanta Majumdar ji, Governor of Manipur Ajay Bhalla ji, Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma ji, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu ji, Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha ji, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma ji, Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang ji, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio ji, Chief Minister of Mizoram Lalduhoma ji, all industry leaders, investors, ladies and gentlemen!
On this grand podium of Rising Northeast, I feel a sense of pride, warmth, belonging, and above all, immense confidence in the future. Just a few months ago, we celebrated the Ashtalakshmi Festival here at Bharat Mandapam. Today, we are celebrating a festival of investment in the Northeast. So many industry leaders have gathered here. This shows the enthusiasm, excitement, and new dreams that everyone has for the Northeast. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the ministries and the state governments for this achievement. Your efforts have created an excellent environment for investment there. On behalf of myself and the Government of Bharat, I wish you all the very best for the success of the North East Rising Summit.
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Friends,
Bharat is considered the world’s most diverse nation, and our Northeast is the most diverse part of this diverse nation. From trade to tradition, from textiles to tourism, the diversity of the Northeast is its greatest strength. Northeast means bio-economy and bamboo; Northeast means tea production and petroleum; Northeast means sports and skill; Northeast is emerging as a hub of eco-tourism; Northeast represents a new world of organic products; Northeast is a powerhouse of energy. That is why, the Northeast is our Ashtalakshmi (eight forms of prosperity). With the blessings of this Ashtalakshmi, every state in the Northeast is saying—we are ready for investment, we are ready to lead.
Friends,
It is essential for Eastern Bharat to develop for the building of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). And the Northeast is the most important part of Eastern Bharat. For us, EAST is not just a direction—it stands for Empower, Act, Strengthen, and Transform. This is our government’s policy for Eastern Bharat. This same policy, this same priority, has brought Eastern Bharat—and our Northeast—to the centre stage of growth.
Friends,
The transformation that the Northeast has seen in the last 11 years is not just about numbers—it is change that can be felt on the ground. We have not just built a connection with the Northeast through government schemes—we have built a bond from the heart. You might be surprised to hear this: ministers from our central government have visited the Northeast more than 700 times. And it wasn’t just about visiting and leaving—the rule was to stay overnight. They experienced the land, they saw the hope in people’s eyes, and they turned that trust into a development-driven policy. We did not view infrastructure as just bricks and cement—we made it a medium for emotional connection. We moved beyond the Look East policy to embrace the mantra of Act East, and today, we are seeing the results. There was a time when the Northeast was only referred to as a frontier region. Today, it is becoming the front-runner of growth.
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Friends,
Good infrastructure makes tourism more attractive. Where there is strong infrastructure, investors also gain greater confidence. Better roads, robust power infrastructure, and an efficient logistics network are the backbone of any industry. Trade thrives where there is seamless connectivity—in other words, quality infrastructure is the foundation and first requirement of any kind of development. That’s why we have initiated an Infrastructure Revolution in the Northeast. For a long time, the Northeast remained neglected. But now, the Northeast is becoming a land of opportunities. We have invested hundreds of thousands of crores of rupees in connectivity infrastructure in the Northeast. If you go to Arunachal Pradesh, you’ll see infrastructure projects like the Sela Tunnel. In Assam, you’ll witness mega projects like the Bhupen Hazarika Bridge. In just one decade, we have built 11,000 kilometres of new highways in the Northeast. Hundreds of kilometres of new railway lines have been laid. The number of airports in the Northeast has doubled. Waterways are being developed on the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. Hundreds of mobile towers have been installed, and not just that—a 1,600-kilometre-long pipeline, the Northeast Gas Grid, has also been established. This ensures reliable gas supply for industry. In short—highways, railways, waterways, and i-ways—connectivity in every form is being strengthened in the Northeast. The ground has been prepared in the Northeast. Our industries must step forward and take full advantage of this opportunity. You must not miss out on the First Mover Advantage.
Friends,
In the coming decade, the trade potential of the Northeast is set to grow manyfold. Today, the trade volume between Bharat and ASEAN is around $125 billion. In the coming years, it will surpass $200 billion, and the Northeast will become a strong bridge for this trade—a gateway to ASEAN. We are rapidly developing the necessary infrastructure to support this vision. The Bharat-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway will establish direct connectivity to Thailand through Myanmar. This will ease Bharat’s connectivity with countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Our government is also working swiftly to complete the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, which will connect the Kolkata Port to Sittwe Port in Myanmar, and further link the rest of the Northeast via Mizoram. This will significantly reduce the distance between West Bengal and Mizoram and prove to be a major boon for industry and trade.
Friends,
Today, cities like Guwahati, Imphal, and Agartala are being developed as multi-modal logistics hubs. In Meghalaya and Mizoram, Land Customs Stations are now giving a new boost to international trade. With all these efforts, the Northeast is emerging as a new name in trade with Indo-Pacific countries. That means a whole new sky of possibilities is opening up for you in the Northeast.
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Friends,
We are working to establish Bharat as a global health and wellness solution provider. Our mission is to make the mantra “Heal in India” a global mantra. The Northeast is not only rich in nature, but it is also a perfect destination for an organic lifestyle. Its biodiversity, its climate—they work like natural medicine for wellness. That is why I urge you to explore the Northeast for investment opportunities in the Heal in India mission.
Friends,
Music, dance, and celebration are woven into the very culture of the Northeast. That makes it a fantastic destination for global conferences, concerts, and destination weddings. In many ways, the Northeast is a complete package for tourism. Now that the benefits of development are reaching every corner of the Northeast, we are also seeing a positive impact on tourism. The number of tourists has doubled, and this is not just about numbers—home stays are being built in villages, youth are getting new opportunities as guides, and a full tour and travel ecosystem is developing. Now we must take this to even greater heights. In eco-tourism and cultural tourism, there are plenty of new investment opportunities waiting for all of you.
Friends,
For the development of any region, the most important requirement is peace and law & order. Whether it is terrorism or Maoist insurgency, our government follows a zero-tolerance policy. There was a time when the Northeast was associated with bombs, guns, and blockades. Just the mention of the Northeast brought these images to mind. And this caused immense loss to the youth of the region—countless opportunities slipped away from their hands. Our focus is on the future of the youth of the Northeast. That’s why we have signed one peace agreement after another, giving young people the chance to join the mainstream of development. In the last 10–11 years, over 10,000 youth have chosen the path of peace by laying down their arms. Today, the youth of the Northeast are getting new opportunities for employment and self-employment right in their own region. Through the MUDRA Yojana, millions of youth in the Northeast have received financial assistance worth thousands of crores of rupees. The growing number of educational institutions is helping these youths enhance their skills. Now, the youth of the Northeast are not just internet users—they are becoming digital innovators. With more than 13,000 kilometres of optical fiber, 4G and 5G coverage, and emerging opportunities in technology, young people are now launching large-scale start-ups from their own towns. The Northeast is becoming Bharat’s digital gateway.
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Friends,
We all know how important skills are for growth and a better future. The Northeast provides a favourable environment for this as well. The central government is making massive investments in the education and skill development ecosystem of the region. In the last decade, over 21,000 crore rupees have been invested in the Northeast’s education sector. Around 850 new schools have been established. The first AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in the Northeast is now operational. Nine new medical colleges have been built. Two new IIITs (Indian Institutes of Information Technology) have been established in the region. A campus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication has been set up in Mizoram. Approximately 200 new skill development institutes have been established across the Northeast. The country’s first Sports University is also being built there. Under the Khelo India program, projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees are underway in the Northeast. There are 8 Khelo India Centres of Excellence and over 250 Khelo India Centres in the region alone. This means the best talent across all sectors is available in the Northeast. You must make the most of this opportunity.
Friends,
Today, the global demand for organic food is rising. There's a growing inclination toward holistic healthcare, and I have a dream — that every dining table in the world should have at least one Indian food brand. The Northeast has a crucial role to play in fulfilling this dream. In the last decade, the scope of organic farming in the Northeast has doubled. Our region is known for products like tea, pineapples, oranges, lemons, turmeric, and ginger — and their taste and quality are truly exceptional. The demand for these products is increasing globally, and this growing demand opens up great opportunities for all of you.
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Friends,
The government is working to make it easier to set up food processing units in the Northeast. Improved connectivity is already helping, and in addition to that, we are building mega food parks, expanding the cold storage network and establishing testing laboratories. The government has also launched the Oil Palm Mission. The soil and climate of the Northeast are highly suitable for oil palm cultivation. This can become a significant source of income for our farmers, and it will also help reduce Bharat’s dependency on imported edible oils. Palm oil farming is a big opportunity for our industries as well.
Friends,
Our Northeast is emerging as a key destination for two more sectors: energy and semiconductors. Whether it's hydropower or solar power, the government is making major investments in every state of the Northeast. Projects worth thousands of crores of rupees have already been approved. You not only have investment opportunities in plants and infrastructure, but also a golden opportunity in manufacturing. Whether it's solar modules, cells, storage, or research, we need greater investments. This is our future — and the more we invest in it today, the less dependent we will be on foreign countries. Today, the Northeast — especially Assam — is playing a significant role in strengthening the country’s semiconductor ecosystem. Very soon, the first Made-in-India chip from a semiconductor plant in the Northeast will be available to the country. This plant has opened the doors of opportunity for the semiconductor sector and other cutting-edge technologies in the region.
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Friends,
Rising Northeast is not just an investors' summit — it is a movement. It is a call to action. The future of Bharat will rise to new heights through the bright future of the Northeast. I have complete faith in all the business leaders. Come, let us together make our Ashtalakshmi an inspiration for a ‘Viksit Bharat’. I am fully confident that today’s collective efforts, your enthusiasm, and your commitment are turning hope into belief. And I am certain that by the time we hold the second Rising Northeast Summit, we will have achieved remarkable progress. Wishing you all the very best.
The Northeast is the most diverse region of our diverse nation: PM
