Kohima : Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, arrived in Nagaland on  for a three-day visit, during which he will inaugurate multiple projects, lay foundation stones for new initiatives and attend cultural programmes at the Hornbill Festival.

Speaking to the media on arrival, Scindia said Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains “firm in his resolve” to accelerate growth and infrastructure expansion across the Northeast. He said the Centre’s Act East, Act Fast and Act First policy has yielded “rich dividends,” pointing out that nearly 10 per cent of gross budgetary support-over ?1 lakh crore annually-has been allocated to the region.

The minister said the ongoing development programmes aim to unlock the Northeast’s potential, which PM Modi has referred to as the nation’s “Ashtalakshmi.” He added that the DoNER Ministry continues to invest in projects that respect and celebrate cultural diversity, including the distinct identities of Nagaland’s 17 tribes.

Calling Nagaland a symbol of India’s capability and cultural strength, Scindia praised the Hornbill Festival as a showcase of heritage, creativity and emerging aspirations. Before beginning official engagements, he visited the Kohima World War-II cemetery to honour the 1,420 soldiers who lost their lives in battle.

Packed Schedule Over Next Two Days

On Friday, Scindia will lay foundation stones for a series of DoNER-supported connectivity and infrastructure projects, and attend a traditional stone-pulling ceremony in Touphema village, the native place of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. He is also scheduled to visit the Hornbill Festival at Kisama later in the day.

The minister will wrap up his tour on Saturday after visiting the Heirloom Naga Centre in Dimapur, before returning to New Delhi.

Scindia’s visit comes amid the Centre’s continued push to develop the Northeast as a key cultural and economic hub, with emphasis on connectivity, livelihoods and regional integration.