10x Oil Production? Amit Shah Hails Historic Assam-Nagaland Energy Pact

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday hailed the agreement reached between the Centre, Assam and Nagaland on oil and gas exploration as a "historic moment", saying it would unlock the Northeast's vast energy and mineral potential while accelerating the region's economic development.Speaking on the development, Shah said the agreement would be remembered in the years to come and would play a key role in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a "Prosperous Northeast, Developed Northeast."The Home Minister noted that both Assam and Nagaland chose the path of cooperation despite longstanding differences and concerns, placing national interest above all else. He said the decision reflects the spirit of cooperative federalism and demonstrates

how states can work together to achieve common developmental goals.According to Amit Shah, the agreement is expected to significantly boost oil, natural gas and mineral exploration in the region. He said obstacles that had long hampered India's oil production would now be removed, giving fresh momentum to the country's energy sector.Shah expressed gratitude to Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for extending support to the initiative and also praised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for adopting a constructive approach."The agreement is not about anyone's victory or defeat; it is India's victory," Shah said, echoing Sarma's remarks on the issue.The Home Minister stressed that the Northeast is rich in oil, natural gas and mineral resources, but their full potential has remained untapped due to disputes and law-and-order challenges over the years. He said the latest agreement could pave the way for large-scale resource extraction and economic growth.Shah revealed that the understanding between the two states could increase current oil production capacity by more than ten times. In one oil field alone, the estimated recoverable reserves are valued at over Rs 15,000 crore, he said.He further noted that tapping Nagaland's energy resources would help India reduce its dependence on imported oil and gas, strengthening the country's energy security.Highlighting the broader economic implications, Shah said prolonged disputes had adversely affected development in both Assam and Nagaland. The agreement, he added, would open new opportunities for investment, employment and economic expansion across the two states.The Home Minister also pointed to the Centre's efforts to bring peace and stability to the Northeast, stating that nearly a dozen significant agreements have been signed in the region since 2019. These accords, he said, have helped strengthen peace, development and integration across the Northeast.Describing the latest pact as another milestone in that journey, Shah said the agreement would not only boost energy production but also contribute to the long-term prosperity of the Northeast and the nation as a whole.