Dimapur: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio has urged corporate India to explore the state’s emerging economic opportunities.Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural ceremony of the 13th edition of One Purpose India Forum (OPIF) 2026 in New Delhi on Monday evening, Rio called for stronger partnerships among govts, businesses, civil society and communities to address development challenges.The three-day forum, organised by CSRBOX, is being held from Oct 26 to 28.Highlighting Nagaland’s biodiversity, diverse cultures, living traditions and communities, Rio described the state as an emerging hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, music, the arts and the creative economy.He said the annual Hornbill Festival had become an internationally recognised celebration of Nagaland’s cultural identity, bringing together traditional heritage and contemporary creativity while connecting the state with the wider world.Despite geographical challenges, infrastructure gaps, limited resources and an uncertain political environment, Rio said the people of Nagaland, particularly its youth, had continued to contribute to nation-building.He cited the achievements of Talimeren Ao, who captained India’s first Olympic football team at the 1948 London Olympics; filmmaker Theja Rio and his film Angh; para-athlete Hokato Hotozhe Sema; and the Nagaland Madrigal Singers, who have brought recognition to Nagaland and India through their achievements.These accomplishments, he said, demonstrated the potential of people from the state across fields including the creative economy, innovation and start-up entrepreneurship.Rio urged the corporate sector to extend its support and forge collaborative partnerships towards the shared goal of building a developed India that leads the world.Highlighting the role of Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) in facilitating engagement with corporates, investors and development partners, Rio said the state was working to connect its development priorities with organisations capable of providing expertise, resources and innovative solutions.He emphasised that govt alone could not address every development challenge, and that private-sector participation and philanthropic institutions had an important role in accelerating progress.
