The North East India Regional Council of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has praised the Union Budget 2026-27 for its focus on boosting tourism, green mobility, and the rapid development of the Northeastern Region. The ICC lauded the budget as growth-oriented, inclusive, and forward-looking, appreciating the efforts of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The budget aims to drive holistic socio-economic progress in the Northeast, according to Ishantor Sobhapandit, the Regional Director of ICC, NER. It adopts the Ashtalakshmi development model for the region, emphasizing investments in connectivity, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and industrial development.
Mahesh Saharia, Chairman of the North East India Regional Council of ICC, highlighted the budget’s framework to enhance socio-economic growth through increased capital investment, tourism promotion, trade enhancement, agricultural reforms, and support for MSMEs. The announcement of a new scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits across six Northeastern states was particularly welcomed.
The initiative aims to establish the region as a significant spiritual and cultural tourism destination by preserving monasteries, enhancing pilgrim amenities, and improving access infrastructure. The budget also includes plans for a high-speed rail link and the deployment of electric buses to enhance public transport and promote environmentally sustainable mobility. The focus on heritage-led tourism and green infrastructure signifies a balanced development strategy.
