The idea of the Northeast land-linked region gained renewed attention after Mizoram Health Minister Lalrinpuii said the region should no longer be described as “landlocked” but as “land-linked.” She asserted that significant improvements in connectivity and infrastructure have transformed the Northeast’s relationship with the rest of India and neighbouring regions. Her remarks underlined a shift in how the region should be viewed in national and international discourse.
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Moreover, Lalrinpuii said the term “landlocked” no longer reflects present realities. Instead, the phrase Northeast land-linked region better captures the progress achieved through sustained infrastructure development and policy-driven connectivity initiatives over recent years.
Northeast land-linked region: shifting the narrative
Addressing an international conference on the Northeast at Christ University in Bengaluru on January 20, Lalrinpuii said outdated terminology often shapes outdated perceptions. She argued that describing the Northeast as landlocked ignores the region’s growing network of roads, railways, waterways, and cross-border trade routes.
According to her, language matters in shaping policy and perception. Therefore, calling the Northeast a land-linked region reflects its evolving role in India’s economic and strategic landscape.
Improved connectivity across the Northeast
The Mizoram minister highlighted that the Northeast is now better connected to the rest of India than ever before. Multiple national highways, railway expansions, and air connectivity projects have reduced physical isolation.
She said these improvements have shortened travel time and improved access to markets, healthcare, and education. As a result, the Northeast land-linked region is increasingly integrated into national supply chains and development planning.
Role of Gati Shakti–AatmaNirbhar Bharat programme
Lalrinpuii specifically pointed to the Gati Shakti–AatmaNirbhar Bharat programme as a major driver of connectivity. She said the initiative has enabled coordinated infrastructure planning across ministries and states.
By integrating roads, railways, ports, and logistics, the programme has strengthened economic linkages. Therefore, the Northeast land-linked region now benefits from infrastructure that supports both mobility and industrial growth.
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
Another key initiative highlighted was the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. Lalrinpuii said the project provides an alternative route connecting the Northeast to the Bay of Bengal through Myanmar.
This multi-modal corridor links sea, river, and road transport, reducing dependence on narrow land routes. Consequently, the project enhances trade potential and reinforces the idea of the Northeast land-linked region rather than a geographically constrained area.
Act East policy and regional integration
The Mizoram minister also credited the Act East policy for redefining the Northeast’s role. She said the policy positions the region as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
Through cross-border connectivity, trade agreements, and cultural exchanges, the Northeast has gained strategic importance. Hence, the Northeast land-linked region serves as a bridge between India and neighbouring countries rather than a peripheral zone.
Economic and social impact of connectivity
Improved connectivity has delivered economic benefits across the region. Lalrinpuii said better transport links have boosted tourism, agriculture, and small industries.
Socially, enhanced connectivity has improved access to healthcare and education, especially in remote areas. Therefore, the Northeast land-linked region narrative aligns with tangible improvements in quality of life.
Breaking the mindset of isolation
The minister said one of the biggest challenges facing the Northeast has been a psychological sense of isolation. She argued that continued use of the term “landlocked” reinforces this mindset.
By contrast, describing the Northeast as land-linked encourages confidence, investment, and integration. As a result, the Northeast land-linked region framing supports both economic ambition and regional pride.
Relevance for policy and investment
Lalrinpuii noted that perception influences policy priorities and investor interest. When the region is seen as connected and accessible, it attracts greater economic attention.
She said infrastructure progress should translate into new opportunities for trade and entrepreneurship. Therefore, adopting the Northeast land-linked region perspective can help unlock further development.
Audience response at the conference
Participants at the international conference welcomed the minister’s remarks. Academics and policy experts said the argument reflected ground realities and ongoing transformation.
Observers noted that such discussions help reframe the Northeast’s role in national and global contexts. Hence, the Northeast land-linked region idea resonated beyond political messaging.
Way forward for the Northeast
Lalrinpuii said sustained investment and policy focus remain essential. While progress has been significant, she acknowledged that connectivity gaps still exist in some areas.
However, with ongoing projects and regional cooperation, she expressed confidence that integration would deepen. Therefore, the land-linked region concept represents both current progress and future potential.
Conclusion
By calling for the Northeast to be described as land-linked rather than landlocked, Mizoram minister Lalrinpuii highlighted a fundamental shift in the region’s development journey. Improved connectivity through initiatives like Gati Shakti, the Kaladan project, and the Act East policy has reshaped physical and economic linkages.
Overall, the Northeast region narrative challenges outdated perceptions and reflects emerging realities. As infrastructure expands and integration deepens, the term “land-linked” better captures the Northeast’s evolving identity as a connected, strategic, and dynamic part of India.
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