President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said that Northeast’s geographical location links it to the ASEAN economies and India should make the best of this geographical advantage.

Speaking at Northeast Development Summit in Imphal, Manipur, Ram Nath Kovind said that the Northeast’s geographical location makes it the obvious gateway to India, linking the vast economies of the Indian subcontinent and of today’s ASEAN countries. This is the potential we have to tap. And this is the idea that must inspire this Summit.

The President said that central to the Government of India’s approach to the development of the Northeast is an urgent and speedy enhancement of connectivity. This is a multi-modal programme, across land, water and air.

And it refers both to connectivity within India as well as to connectivity between India and its eastern and Southeast Asian neighbours.

The President emphasised that in the development of the Northeast is both the development of India -- as well the true measure of the India-ASEAN partnership. He stated that the opportunity is before us and we should grab it.

In conclusion, he added, "I again emphasise that in the development of the Northeast is both the development of India – as well the true measure of the India-ASEAN partnership. The opportunity is before us. Let us grab it."