Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that externally funded projects should be seen as tools for local produce to reach international markets, improve livelihoods, and turn the northeast's geographic challenges into chances for economic growth.
She stated that help under the externally assisted projects (EAP) in the northeastern area has increased sevenfold under the Narendra Modi administration while presiding over a conference on "Leveraging externally aided projects in the northeastern states" today.Between 2004 and 2014, the Northeast received about Rs 9,000 crore in support; between 2014 and 2026, that amount rose to almost Rs 76,000 crore, according to the Union minister.

Sitharaman claimed that the Center has made infrastructure and connectivity the cornerstones of its development program for the region, pointing out that farmers, artisans, and young people in the northeast have historically had more difficulties in reaching markets.Since 2014, the area has seen the construction of over 10,000 km of roads at a cost over Rs 1 lakh crore. She informed the conference that an additional 5,000 km of highways are presently being built.
The Union finance minister described the Northeast as "blessed as few places on earth are" and claimed that its stunning scenery, abundant cultural resources, and diligent populace should have greater market access and visibility.

The main problem, according to her, is turning the region's immense natural and people potential into prosperity.
According to Sitharaman, EAPs offer international best practices in project design, procurement, environmental protection, and community involvement in addition to funding."When we talk about EAPs, we are talking about a development model that combines central support, state execution, and global expertise, all for local communities," she explained. "They bring innovative technologies and tested models because institutions like the World Bank and IFAD work in difficult geographies and bring their experience for our benefit," she added.

Sitharaman stated that no northeastern state should have to travel to Delhi in search of assistance, pointing out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the area more than 75 times since 2014 and Union ministers more than 700 times.
The Modi government has put connection, infrastructure, and ongoing political involvement at the center of the northeast's development, she said, adding that outreach should be the driving force behind progress rather than requests.