In a major step towards strengthening India’s energy security and accelerating economic development in the Northeast, the Centre, Assam, and Nagaland signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate mineral oil operations in the Assam-Nagaland boundary areas.
The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Describing the agreement as a historic milestone, Amit Shah said the MoU would unlock new opportunities for oil and natural gas exploration while opening a fresh economic corridor of investment, employment, and prosperity across the Northeast. He noted that the region possesses significant reserves of oil, gas, and minerals, which could play an important role in reducing India’s dependence on imported energy resources.
According to Shah, the agreement removes long-standing barriers that had slowed exploration and economic development in the region. He added that Nagaland has agreed to facilitate exploration not only in the identified areas but across the state, creating new possibilities for hydrocarbon and mineral development.
The Home Minister said current extraction levels of around 1,000 to 1,500 barrels per day could increase substantially with expanded exploration and production activities. He emphasized that the agreement represents a strong example of cooperative federalism, with the Centre and both states working together for national development.
The MoU establishes a coordinated framework to ensure operational continuity, security, and effective stakeholder collaboration in petroleum exploration and production activities. It is expected to encourage greater investment in the upstream energy sector and provide stability for existing and future projects.
Shah also highlighted the broader transformation of the Northeast, stating that peace agreements, improved infrastructure, rising investment, and reduced violence have significantly boosted the region’s development prospects. He expressed confidence that the agreement would further strengthen economic growth and self-reliance in the years ahead.
