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026 (NEIINFRA) concluded successfully in Shillong, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, development agencies, and infrastructure experts to deliberate on the immense growth opportunities and strategic priorities shaping the future of India's Northeastern Region. Government of Meghalaya, organized by Federation of Industry & Commerce of Northeastern Region (FINER), and co-organized by the Build India Foundation, the summit served as a dynamic platform for fostering partnerships, encouraging investment, and advancing sustainable development across the region. Singh outlined a comprehensive vision for transforming the Northeast into a major hub for connectivity, trade, tourism, and investment. He emphasized that infrastructure development goes beyond building roads and bridges, serving instead as a means to connect people with opportunities, services, and markets. Highlighting significant investments in highways, railways, airports, waterways, digital networks, and energy projects, he noted that over Rs 6 lakh crore has been invested in the region since 2014. He also underscored the Northeast's strategic role as India's gateway to Southeast Asia, its growing appeal to investors, and its immense tourism potential. Stressing the need for sustainable and climate-resilient development, he called for balancing economic growth with environmental conservation and cultural preservation, while empowering youth and entrepreneurs to drive the region's future prosperity. The second day of the summit featured a series of high-impact sessions addressing tourism, industrial development, green energy, infrastructure modernization, and startup growth, reflecting the region's evolving economic landscape and development aspirations. Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, Chairman of the Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance, TIPRA Motha in his address, he emphasized that tourism development must directly benefit local communities. “Tourism should be a local benefit industry, not just a visitor industry. It must create jobs, generate income, and build an ecosystem where local communities gain directly.He stressed the need for sustainable development that safeguards the environment and preserves indigenous identity, warning against growth that comes at the expense of the region’s unique cultural heritage. He also highlighted the importance of improving connectivity, particularly air travel and cargo infrastructure, to facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods and unlock greater economic opportunities.Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, Chief Secretary of Meghalaya highlighted the untapped economic potential of tourism in the Northeast, noting that despite attracting a comparable number of visitors, the region earns only a fraction of the tourism revenue generated by countries like Bhutan. He stressed that tourism must be structured to benefit local communities directly through jobs, entrepreneurship, and skill development. Emphasizing the region's natural hospitality and cultural values, he called for greater investment in training centres for hospitality, nursing, and caregiving sectors. Lahkmen Rymbui, Minister Meghalaya, highlighted the Northeast's vast potential for sustainable development through bioenergy, bamboo, broom grass, and micro-hydropower projects. He emphasized the need for greater investment in research and development to identify innovative uses for local resources and create value-added products that can boost rural incomes. Stressing that the region's challenge lies not in production but in market access, he called for stronger supply chains and better linkages between producers, processors, and consumers. The minister also encouraged entrepreneurship and private-sector participation, noting that development must be driven through collaboration among governments, investors, businesses, and local communities. Bajrang Lohia, President, FINER, reiterated the importance of collaborative action among governments, industry and financial institutions to unlock the immense economic potential of the Northeastern Region. They emphasized the need for sustainable, technology-enabled and inclusive infrastructure development that creates jobs, strengthens connectivity and positions the region as a major growth engine of India.