Northeast a vital pillar of India's security, strategic power: Rajnath

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently asserted from Shillong that the Northeast region is a 'vital pillar' of the nation's security, prosperity, and strategic power, underscoring its pivotal role in the Act East Policy amid a rapidly shifting global landscape. Speaking at the Eastern Air Command headquarters, Singh stressed that modern warfare demands technological agility and innovation, moving beyond traditional preparedness to counter evolving threats. He also lauded 'Operation Sindoor' as a testament to India's growing self-reliance in defense. This declaration comes as India intensifies its focus on the strategically critical Northeast, a region sharing borders with multiple nations including China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, and historically connected to mainland India via the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor. The Act East Policy, initially revamped from the 'Look East' initiative in 2014, has significantly expanded its scope to include robust defense cooperation and strategic partnerships across the wider Indo-Pacific, directly addressing China's growing influence. Recent months have seen a major infrastructure acceleration, including the Rs 39,800 crore highway projects announced at the NEIINFRA 2026 Summit in Meghalaya, and Japanese investment in key connectivity initiatives, reinforcing the region as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia. Looking ahead, the emphasis on a tech-driven defense readiness signals a proactive posture against a new generation of threats, including hybrid warfare and drone incursions, which have significantly impacted border security. With ongoing massive infrastructure projects like the Arunachal Frontier Highway and the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge nearing completion, India aims to bolster its eastern frontier's resilience and connectivity. The region is set to remain a focal point for India's strategic destiny, balancing defense preparedness with economic integration and diplomatic outreach to secure its national interests and project its influence across the Indo-Pacific.