New Delhi, June 11 (IANS) A tripartite agreement to facilitate exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons and other mineral resources along the Assam-Nagaland border was signed on Thursday in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

The agreement, signed under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is aimed at unlocking the energy potential of more than 1,000 square kilometres of resource-rich land located along the inter-state border, a region believed to hold significant hydrocarbon and mineral reserves.

Officials said the pact would pave the way for exploration and production activities in the area, which has remained largely untapped despite its considerable energy potential. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s energy security, attract investments and generate fresh economic opportunities in the Northeast.

Describing the agreement as a landmark step, Chief Minister Sarma said it marks a decisive breakthrough in harnessing the region’s natural resources and advancing the country’s goal of energy self-sufficiency.

He noted that the accord opens up over 1,000 sq km of land for energy exploration and extraction and will contribute significantly to India’s long-term energy requirements.

According to officials, the Centre views the Northeast as a key pillar of India’s energy strategy and economic growth agenda. The latest initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported energy resources while promoting domestic exploration and production.

The agreement is also being seen as a significant example of cooperative federalism, bringing together the Centre and the two state governments to address long-standing challenges that have impeded resource utilisation and development in the border region.

Sarma said the pact reflected the PM Modi government’s commitment to resolving complex and decades-old issues through dialogue and coordination, enabling the Northeast to realise its full economic potential.

He further described the development as the beginning of a “new era” for the Ashtalakshmi region, referring to the eight Northeastern states, and expressed confidence that the initiative would accelerate growth, create employment opportunities and contribute to regional prosperity.

The agreement is expected to provide fresh momentum to India’s pursuit of energy self-reliance while reinforcing the Northeast’s strategic role in the country’s development trajectory.

–IANS

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