Tripartite MoU signed between Government of India, Assam and Nagaland for mineral oil operations in Assam-Nagaland boundary areas

📌 Summary:

• A tripartite MoU was signed, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, between the Government of India, Assam and Nagaland to facilitate mineral oil operations in the Assam–Nagaland boundary areas
• Also present: Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio
• The pact resolves a long-standing inter-state boundary obstacle to oil/gas exploration; Nagaland agreed to exploration beyond the six designated fields, across the entire state
• Energy impact: current extraction of 1,000–1,500 barrels/day could rise more than tenfold, reducing India's import dependence for oil and gas
• Described as an example of "cooperative federalism"; part of the government's Northeast focus (12 peace accords since 2019; ~80% reduction in violence)
• AFSPA: over 80% of the Northeast has been freed from AFSPA, with near-complete withdrawal expected within a year

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 (cooperative federalism, Centre–State relations) and GS3 (energy security; internal security/AFSPA).

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Tripartite MoU: Government of India + Assam + Nagaland
• AFSPA = Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act; >80% of NE freed from it
• Current extraction capacity ~1,000–1,500 barrels/day

🔑 Key Term: Cooperative federalism — Centre and States functioning as partners; AFSPA grants special powers to armed forces in areas declared "disturbed".