Arunachal Vital to India, Northeast Emerging as Growth Engine: VP Radhakrishnan

By Thetripurapost Desk, Itanagar
Sep 09, 2026
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Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan has described Arunachal Pradesh as an essential part of India’s national unity, while highlighting the growing economic and strategic importance of the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy.

Addressing a special sitting of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar on Wednesday, Radhakrishnan said the state occupies a crucial position in protecting India’s borders and that its development is closely connected with the country’s overall progress.

Arunachal Pradesh Key to India’s National Security

The Vice President highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic location and said the state plays an important role as a guardian of India’s frontier.

He also pointed to Arunachal’s cultural diversity and vast natural resources, describing the state as an area with significant potential for further development.

Northeast Gains Importance Under Act East Policy

Radhakrishnan said successive Union governments have increasingly focused on the development of the northeastern region. He recalled that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee established the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) to give greater institutional attention to the region.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy has further strengthened the Northeast’s role in India’s development strategy. The Prime Minister’s description of the eight northeastern states as “Ashta-lakshmi”, he added, reflects the economic and strategic opportunities available across the region.

The Centre’s continuing focus is also reflected in budgetary support. Radhakrishnan said more than Rs 6,800 crore has been allocated to the DoNER Ministry in the Union Budget this year.

The Union government has separately highlighted connectivity, infrastructure and economic integration as major components of its Act East approach in the Northeast.

Arunachal Pradesh Development Gains Highlighted

The Vice President also drew attention to Arunachal Pradesh’s environmental wealth. Around 79 per cent of the state is covered by forests, making its biodiversity, rivers and ecological systems important not only for the state but also for India’s environmental security and climate resilience.

Radhakrishnan highlighted agriculture as another area of progress, noting that Arunachal Pradesh has become India’s leading producer of kiwi fruit.

More than one lakh soil health cards have also been provided to farmers in the state, according to the figures cited by the Vice President.

Per Capita Income Doubles, Road Construction Accelerates

Radhakrishnan said Arunachal Pradesh has recorded substantial economic and infrastructure growth in recent years.

According to him, the state’s per capita income has more than doubled, while annual road construction has reached approximately 1,800 kilometres.

The expansion of road connectivity is particularly significant for Arunachal Pradesh, where difficult terrain and its extensive border areas make transport infrastructure strategically important.

The Union government has identified connectivity—including roads, power transmission and digital infrastructure—as a major factor in integrating remote areas of the Northeast with national and regional markets.

Why C P Radhakrishnan’s Arunachal Visit Matters

The Vice President’s address comes as the Centre continues to place the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh and Act East Policy prominently within India’s development and connectivity agenda.

Arunachal Pradesh’s strategic location, forest resources, agricultural potential and expanding infrastructure make it an important part of the Northeast’s broader growth story.

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