Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), on Friday announced a bold development roadmap for India’s North Eastern states, pledging to more than double the company’s investments in the region to Rs 75,000 crore over the next five years. He was speaking at the Rising NorthEast Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi. Calling the eight states of the North East ‘Ashta Lakshmi’, Ambani made six key commitments spanning connectivity, agriculture, clean energy, cancer care, and sports infrastructure — aimed at reshaping the economic and social landscape of the region. Below is the full text of Mukesh Ambani’s speech delivered at the summit: “Most Respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, Esteemed Dignitaries, Good Morning. Let me begin by saluting our beloved Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, for the resounding success of Operation Sindoor. This success is a shining testament to his steely resolve — and to the unmatched bravery of our armed forces. I also warmly congratulate Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia ji for crafting this transformational platform. The eight states of North-East are rightly called Ashta Lakshmi. With the blessings of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, the North-East is not just rising — but to my mind, it is roaring. In the near future, I can clearly see this region replicating the miracle achieved by neighbouring countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. Respected Dignitaries, For Reliance, it is a matter of privilege to fulfil the dreams of a region that has the fastest rate of economic growth with the youngest population in India. Today I make six commitments to the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. First: Reliance has invested around Rs 30,000 crore in the region in the past 40 years. In the next five years, we will more than double our investments, with our target at Rs 75,000 crore. In addition to creating over 2.5 million direct and indirect employment opportunities, we aspire to touch the lives of most of our 45 million sisters and brothers in North-East. Second: Jio has already covered 90% of the population with over 5 million 5G subscribers. We will double this number this year. Jio’s priority will be to bring the revolutionary power of Artificial Intelligence to all schools, hospitals, enterprises and homes. When talent meets technology and competence meets connectivity, our North-East will surge ahead. Third: Reliance Retail will vastly increase its procurement of staples, fruits, and vegetables to boost the income of farmers. We will also invest in factories for high-quality FMCG products in the region and promote the region’s fabulous artisan economy. Fourth: We will greatly enhance generation of solar power in the region. Our Prime Minister often speaks of converting waste to wealth. In line with this, we will convert the region’s vast Wasteland into Wealth-Land, by setting up 350 integrated Compressed Biogas plants. Fifth: Reliance Foundation will bring the best of cancer care to the North-East. To begin with, we have established a 150-bed comprehensive cancer hospital in Manipur. We are collaborating with Mizoram University on care of breast cancer using genomic data. In Guwahati, we have built an Advanced Molecular Diagnostics and Research Lab. It will be among the largest Genome Sequencing Capacities in India. We will help transform the North-East into a healthcare hub and a research powerhouse. Sixth: The North-East is a treasure-house of world-class talent in multiple sports. Reliance Foundation will work with all the eight states to set up Olympic Training Centres, which will prepare our youth to be tomorrow’s medal-winners in Olympics. Most Respected Prime Minister Shri Modi ji, You have achieved something unbelievable and unimaginable. You have brought the North-East from the periphery to the centre of India’s Developmental Map, from the margins to the mainstream of the India Story! Under your guidance, we in industry will work with all the Chief Ministers to make the North-East an inspiring model to demonstrate to the rest of the world: how we can make progress; how development can take care of Dharati Maa; how Laxmi Mata can reach every home; and how Bharat Mata indeed embraces all her children with her boundless love. Disclaimer: Network18 and TV18 – the companies that operate news18.com – are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.