Northeast India is positioned to move from the periphery to the forefront of the nation's space technology sector, transitioning from mere users of space solutions to key developers, testing grounds, and commercial innovators. Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu made these remarks while addressing the Northeast India Space Workshop 2026, held at FREMAA, AWC in Guwahati.
The workshop, themed "Leveraging Space Technology: Regional Transformation to Global Reach," was organized by the Space Industry Association of India (SIA-India) in partnership with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) as part of the National Space Day celebrations.
Speaking at the event, Governor Nallu emphasized that the region's unique geography and developmental needs present major opportunities to harness space applications for transformative growth, connectivity, agriculture, disaster management, public services, and sustainable development.
Highlighting regional achievements, the Governor noted that Tripura has launched the Northeast’s first Digital Forest Rights Act (FRA) Atlas, developed in collaboration with the Tripura Space Applications Centre (TSAC). He stated that the initiative showcases technology-driven governance aimed at safeguarding the rights, dignity, and interests of tribal communities while ensuring transparency, efficiency, and informed decision-making in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act.
The workshop convened senior policymakers, government officials, academicians, startups, industry leaders, and international partners to explore strategies for expanding the Northeast’s contribution to India’s New Space ecosystem. Discussions centered on leveraging space-based applications to drive socio-economic growth, foster youth entrepreneurship, and enhance public service delivery.
The event featured a welcome address by Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President of SIA-India, alongside special addresses by Pallav Kumar Jha, Secretary of Science & Technology (Government of Assam), and Dr. Srinivas Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Anil Prakash, Director General of SIA-India.