Guwahati: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is set to inject a massive ₹75,000 crore into Northeast India over the next five years, significantly amplifying its current investments in the region. This monumental commitment, announced today by Chairman Mukesh Ambani at the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025, is projected to generate over 2.5 million direct and indirect employment opportunities across the eight northeastern states, promising a transformative impact on the economic landscape for its 45 million residents.
Addressing Chief Ministers from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, Mr. Ambani articulated Reliance’s privilege in contributing to the aspirations of a region he described as boasting the fastest economic growth rate and the youngest population in India. This fresh commitment dwarfs the approximately ₹30,000 crore already invested by the industrial behemoth in the Northeast over the past four decades, signalling a substantial scaling up of its operations.
Reliance’s telecom arm, Jio, already commands an impressive 90% population coverage in the Northeast with over 5 million 5G subscribers. The company now plans to double this subscriber base within the coming year, with a sharp focus on integrating artificial intelligence across educational institutions, healthcare facilities, businesses, and homes. Mr. Ambani expressed strong conviction in the region’s digital transformation, stating, “When talent meets technology and competence meets connectivity, our North-East will surge ahead.”
Beyond digital infrastructure, Reliance Retail is poised to significantly increase its procurement of staples, fruits, and vegetables directly from northeastern farmers, aiming to substantially boost agricultural incomes. The conglomerate also intends to establish manufacturing facilities for fast-moving consumer goods within the region, simultaneously championing local artisan economies.
In a significant stride towards sustainability, Reliance’s renewable energy thrust includes enhanced solar power generation and an ambitious initiative to convert barren land into productive assets through 350 integrated Compressed Biogas plants. This move aligns seamlessly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘waste to wealth’.
Healthcare forms a pivotal pillar of Reliance’s regional strategy. The company has already established a 150-bed comprehensive cancer hospital in Manipur and an Advanced Molecular Diagnostics and Research Lab in Guwahati, the latter slated to house one of India’s largest genome sequencing facilities. Furthermore, Reliance Foundation is actively collaborating with Mizoram University on breast cancer research, utilising genomic data, thereby positioning the Northeast as a potential hub for healthcare and cutting-edge research.
Recognising the abundant sporting talent in the region, Reliance Foundation is committed to establishing Olympic Training Centres across all eight states, meticulously preparing athletes for international competitions.
Mr. Ambani’s address also included a brief but significant mention of the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’, which he lauded as a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s “steely resolve” and the “unmatched bravery of our armed forces.” Details of the operation, however, were not elaborated upon during the summit.
The businessman extended his gratitude to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for creating the summit platform and lauded Prime Minister Modi for effectively bringing the Northeast “from the periphery to the centre of India’s Developmental Map.” Drawing parallels with the economic transformations witnessed in Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, Mr. Ambani suggested the Northeast could replicate similar growth trajectories.
With an air of optimism, Mr. Ambani declared, “The eight states of North-East are rightly called ASHTA LAKSHMI. With the blessings of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, the North-East is not just rising — but to my mind it is roaring.” The Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to more closely integrate the region into India’s economic mainstream, leveraging its strategic location and demographic advantages.
Also read: Adani Pledges Another Rs 50,000 Cr for North East Development