Tripartite agreement with Centre opens over 1,000 sq km for energy and mineral exploration, ending decades-long restrictions in disputed areas
New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s energy ambitions and inter-state cooperation, the Centre, Assam and Nagaland signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate oil, gas and mineral exploration in the long-disputed Assam-Nagaland border belt.
Signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the agreement covers more than 1,000 square kilometres of resource-rich territory where exploration activities had remained stalled since the 1990s due to unresolved boundary disputes.
Describing the pact as a turning point, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the agreement would unlock vast energy reserves and accelerate India’s journey towards self-reliance in the energy sector. “This will help unlock over 1,000 sq km of area bordering Nagaland and Assam having significant energy and mineral reserves.” the Chief Minister said.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio termed the development “historic,” saying it would strengthen economic activity, improve resource management and deepen cooperation between the two neighbouring states. “This MoU opens a new era of brotherhood, collaboration and shared prosperity between Nagaland and Assam,” Rio stated.
Calling the agreement the resolution of another long-pending Northeast issue, Amit Shah said the pact reflects the Centre’s commitment to development through dialogue and cooperative federalism.
Officials said the arrangement allows resource extraction to proceed while the boundary dispute remains under adjudication before the Supreme Court, creating opportunities for investment, employment and regional growth.
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