Assam, Meghalaya CMs Seek Renewed Push for Externally Aided Projects in Northeast India

Assam and Meghalaya Seek Fresh Push for EAPs

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on September 9, seeking a renewed push for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the two northeastern states.

The meeting, held at Kartavya Bhawan, focused on increasing capital expenditure in the Northeast and creating additional investment channels for physical and social infrastructure through EAPs.

Focus on Infrastructure Development

Externally Aided Projects can provide states with access to external financing and technical assistance for major development initiatives.

During the meeting, the Assam and Meghalaya chief ministers emphasised the need to accelerate such projects to support infrastructure development and strengthen investment in the region.

Sarma said the two states made a strong case for giving fresh momentum to the pace of EAP implementation, particularly to create new investment opportunities for physical and social infrastructure.

Finance Minister Assures Support

Following the meeting, Sarma said Sitharaman responded positively to the proposals and assured the chief ministers of a renewed push from the Centre to advance the development agenda.

The discussions are significant as both Assam and Meghalaya are seeking to accelerate infrastructure projects and mobilise greater investment to support economic growth in the Northeast.

Need for Faster Project Implementation

The meeting also highlighted the importance of speeding up the rollout of externally aided projects.

According to reports, the states have sought faster clearances and closer coordination between the Centre and state governments to reduce procedural delays and improve the pace of project implementation and fund utilisation.

Faster execution could help ensure that development projects translate into improved infrastructure and services on the ground.

EAPs and Northeast Development

Infrastructure development remains a major priority for Northeast India because of the region's geographical challenges and the need for better connectivity and public infrastructure.

The Centre has increased its focus on externally aided projects in the northeastern states in recent years. In June 2026, the Finance Ministry said support for EAPs in the Northeast had increased more than seven-fold since 2014, from ₹9,000 crore to ₹76,000 crore.

Meghalaya has also received significant EAP-backed development support, with projects covering connectivity, human capital development, tourism, livelihoods and sustainable economic growth.

Assam and Meghalaya Aim to Attract More Investment

For Assam and Meghalaya, greater access to externally aided financing could help expand investment in key infrastructure sectors and strengthen the states' development capacity.

The renewed push could also create opportunities for projects that require substantial long-term funding and technical expertise.

The two chief ministers' meeting with the Union Finance Minister signals an effort to strengthen coordination between the states and the Centre as the region seeks to accelerate its development agenda.

What Happens Next

The focus will now be on translating the discussions into faster approvals, funding and implementation of externally aided projects.

If the proposed measures receive sustained support, Assam and Meghalaya could see greater investment in physical and social infrastructure, while the wider Northeast could benefit from stronger development activity.

The meeting therefore marks another step towards expanding the role of externally aided projects in supporting infrastructure and economic development across Northeast India.