Neiphiu Rio credits Narendra Modi with advancing Northeast development, while calling for PDA unity and continued focus on Nagaland’s growth
DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday said the Northeast had moved from the geographical periphery to the centre of India’s developmental and strategic thinking under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while calling for continued unity within the ruling PDA alliance.
Rio was speaking at a programme organised by the Naga People’s Front (NPF) at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima, to commemorate Modi’s 76th birth anniversary.
He credited Modi’s leadership with changing India’s development trajectory and said the Centre’s focus on the Northeast had translated into regular visits by Union ministers and senior officials, as well as the implementation of flagship programmes and special initiatives.
For Nagaland, Rio highlighted schemes including PM-DevINE and the Special Assistance for Capital Investment (SASCI), saying these had helped the state address long-standing infrastructure and development gaps.
He cautioned that development in Nagaland should ultimately be measured by whether government programmes reached their intended beneficiaries, particularly given the state’s geographical and infrastructure challenges.
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“Nagaland must not remain a spectator to India’s transformation. We must become a participant and, wherever possible, a leader,” Rio said, urging young people not only to seek opportunities but also to create them.
He added that Nagaland’s development priorities included better roads and connectivity, quality education and healthcare, employment opportunities for youth, modern agriculture, tourism, creative industries, investment, entrepreneurship, sports and stronger institutions.
Rio also recalled his association with Modi dating back to their days as chief ministers of Gujarat and Nagaland. He said their interactions at national forums and during a visit to Israel as part of an agriculture delegation gave him an opportunity to know Modi as a leader interested in governance, technology and practical solutions.
Recalling the period around the signing of the 2015 Framework Agreement, Rio said Modi had personally reached out to him and sought his support for efforts towards lasting peace in Nagaland.
According to Rio, this demonstrated Modi’s personal interest in the Naga political issue and his desire for peace and progress in Nagaland.
He also recalled the 2018 NDA campaign launch at Tuensang, which he said he and Modi jointly attended, and Modi’s presence at the swearing-in ceremony of Nagaland government in 2023.
On the national front, Rio cited India’s growing engagement in areas including digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, clean technology and advanced manufacturing. He also referred to India’s G20 presidency and its 2026 BRICS chairmanship.
Looking towards 2047, Rio asserted that the vision of a developed India should be linked with Nagaland’s aspiration for a peaceful and prosperous state.
He said youth, women, farmers and economically weaker sections would have an important role in achieving the development vision and stressed the need to equip Nagaland’s young population to compete nationally and globally.
Rio also called for stability and unity within the PDA, which comprises the NPF, BJP, NPP, JD (U), RPI (A) and LJP (RV), saying the alliance should remain focused on governance and development.
He acknowledged that Nagaland continued to face challenges including connectivity, unemployment, infrastructure and economic development, while reiterating the state’s aspiration for an “inclusive, honourable, acceptable and lasting” solution to the Naga political issue.
Representatives of the BJP, NPP, JD (U), RPI (A), LJP (RV) and Independent candidates, along with party officials, attended the programme.
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