Centre, Assam and Nagaland sign a tripartite pact for oil and gas operations in disputed boundary areas

Signed in the presence of the Home Minister, the MoU unlocks mineral-oil exploration in the long-contested Assam–Nagaland boundary belt — framed as cooperative federalism and a Northeast development push.

What happened

• A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in New Delhi between the Government of India, the Government of Assam and the Government of Nagaland to facilitate mineral-oil operations in the Assam–Nagaland boundary areas.
• It was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, and Chief Ministers Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam) and Shri Neiphiu Rio (Nagaland).
• The Home Minister called it a historic moment that opens possibilities for oil and natural-gas exploration and mineral mining, removing a major obstacle in a belt where operations had been held up by the long-standing inter-State boundary dispute.
• He framed the pact as an example of cooperative federalism and a 'Nation First' approach, saying the reserves in Nagaland will help reduce India's dependence on foreign oil and gas.
• He added that the government has signed 12 peace accords in the Northeast and freed nearly 80% of the region from AFSPA, with the agreement opening a 'new economic corridor of energy, investment and prosperity'.

For Prelims

• Assam–Nagaland boundary dispute: A long-running inter-State border dispute (Nagaland was carved out of Assam in 1963); contested belts along the foothills have seen friction. Such disputes are adjudicated by the Supreme Court / boundary commissions and resolved via negotiated agreements.
• Inter-State disputes & the Centre's role: Under the Constitution, the Centre can mediate inter-State disputes; the Inter-State Council (Art. 263) and Home Ministry facilitate such settlements. 'Cooperative federalism' is the operative principle.
• Mineral oil ('petroleum'): 'Mineral oil' covers petroleum and natural gas. Petroleum & minerals are largely in the Union List for regulation, but land/State consent matters — hence a tripartite (Centre + two States) MoU.
• AFSPA: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 grants special powers to armed forces in 'disturbed areas'. Its footprint in the Northeast has been progressively reduced; the HM cited ~80% rollback.
• Northeast peace accords: Recent settlements include the Bodo Accord (2020), Karbi Anglong Accord (2021), Bru-Reang (2020) and others; '12 peace accords' reflects the government's NE conflict-resolution record.
• Oil in the Northeast: Assam is India's oldest oil region (Digboi, 1889); ONGC and Oil India Ltd operate there. Unlocking the boundary belt expands exploration acreage.
• Don't confuse: This is an inter-State resource-operations facilitation MoU (not a final boundary settlement); the boundary dispute itself remains a separate matter. AFSPA is an MHA/Defence subject, distinct from the resource pact.

For Mains

Syllabus: GS2.2 · GS3.9 · Linkage L2