GUWAHATI: A tripartite agreement to facilitate energy exploration and extraction across more than 1,000 square kilometres along the Assam-Nagaland border was signed on Thursday, June 11, paving the way for the development of hydrocarbon and mineral resources in the region and boosting India's energy security efforts. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
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The agreement aims to facilitate exploration and production activities across more than 1,000 square kilometres of land along the Assam-Nagaland border, a region believed to possess significant hydrocarbon and mineral reserves. The initiative is expected to unlock long-pending energy potential in the area while contributing to India's goal of achieving greater energy self-sufficiency.
According to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, the pact represents a major breakthrough in harnessing the untapped natural resources of the region. He said the identified area offers substantial opportunities for hydrocarbon exploration and mineral extraction, which could play an important role in meeting the country's growing energy demands.
The agreement is expected to attract fresh investments into the energy sector, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth across the Northeast. The move is also expected to encourage greater private and public sector participation in resource exploration and infrastructure development.
The agreement is being viewed as an important milestone in India's broader strategy to enhance domestic energy production and reduce dependence on imported energy resources. The Centre has repeatedly highlighted the strategic importance of the Northeast in sectors such as energy, connectivity, infrastructure and trade, positioning the region as a key driver of national development.
Referring to the Northeast as the "Ashtalakshmi" region, the Assam Chief Minister expressed confidence that the agreement would usher in a new phase of economic growth and prosperity. He said the initiative has the potential to transform the region's economic landscape while strengthening India's energy infrastructure and advancing the vision of a self-reliant energy sector.