New Delhi, June 11: The governments of Assam and Nagaland, on Thursday, signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre for the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas along their disputed inter-state boundary, ending nearly three decades of stalled activity in one of the region's most resource-rich but contested stretches of territory. The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. It seeks to facilitate exploration and production activities across more than 1,000 square kilometres of land along the 434-km Assam-Nagaland boundary, an area believed to hold substantial hydrocarbon and mineral reserves. Describing the signing as a "historic moment," Shah said the MoU enhances prospects for oil and natural gas exploration and opens up possibilities for mineral mining as well. "The Prime Minister has presented a vision of a prosperous and developed North East to the region and the nation; today, we have successfully removed a major hurdle in realizing that vision," he said.
Published: June 11, 2026 3:46 pm
Source: The Assam Tribune — Read original