Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, convened a high-level meeting in Wokha district, Nagaland, bringing together northeastern science and technology institutes and key government departments. The aim was to review recent progress and chart future innovation strategies tailored to the region.

Dr Singh emphasised that scientific advancement must extend beyond India’s central hubs and penetrate the Northeast, tapping into its untapped potential. He highlighted the area’s rich biodiversity and identified agriculture, allied sectors, tourism, and film production as pivotal for sustainable development.

He hailed the success of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme in Wokha, where banana cultivation has gained national acclaim. He suggested this model be scaled up commercially to harness local strengths and stimulate the economy.

The Minister also announced a 15‑day saturation campaign to maximise uptake of government flagship schemes across India, with the Northeast to receive focused attention. He noted how northeastern youth have begun entering national aviation and hospitality sectors—an achievement unthinkable just a decade ago. He also paid tribute to the resilience of two young women from Manipur in the aftermath of the Ahmedabad air crash, observing how far the region has come.

Dr Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the Northeast, citing his seventy visits to the region since 2014. He described the Northeast as a key driver in realising a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.

He encouraged youth and women to assume leadership, noting that "In the Northeast, women have always led" in managing markets and households. He envisioned self-help groups fostering livelihoods and confidence, while drawing inspiration from women scientists who fronted missions like Chandrayaan and Aditya L‑1.

Concluding, Dr Singh stated that India’s ambition to become a top-three global economy hinges upon activating underexplored regions like the Northeast.

Regional leaders and officials from institutions including the Department of Science & Technology, Biotechnology, Earth Sciences, and the Survey of India joined the discussions.