Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur on Saturday, marking his first visit to the state since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023. The visit comes after sustained criticism from opposition parties for what they called a neglect of Manipur in the wake of the clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities.

Upon arrival in Imphal, the capital, Modi proceeded to Churachandpur, a Kuki-dominated district that was among the areas hardest hit by the violence. Due to heavy rains, he traveled by road instead of a scheduled helicopter flight. In Churachandpur, the Prime Minister met with internally displaced persons (IDPs) at a relief camp, offering assurances of support and commitment to restoring peace and normalcy. Visuals showed Modi interacting with locals, including children, and receiving tokens of appreciation. "I am with you," Modi declared in Churachandpur, referring to the ethnic strife that broke out in 2023 and appealing for peace. "Violence engulfed this beautiful place. New dawn is about to begin... I promise you I am with you. I am with you. The Centre is with you".

The ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began on May 3, 2023, triggered by a court order regarding the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The violence resulted in over 260 deaths, thousands injured, and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people. The state was placed under President's Rule in February 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

During his visit, Modi laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects worth over ₹7,300 crore in Churachandpur. These projects encompass various sectors, including road and highway development, urban infrastructure, healthcare, and women's empowerment. Some of the key initiatives include the Manipur Urban Roads and Drainage Project, worth ₹3,647 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development Project, worth ₹550 crore, super-speciality healthcare facilities in remote districts, working women's hostels at nine locations, and upgrades to 120 schools across 16 districts. The Prime Minister also inaugurated five National Highway projects worth over ₹2,500 crore.

After his visit to Churachandpur, Modi traveled to Imphal, where he inaugurated projects worth over ₹1,200 crore. He addressed a public gathering at Kangla Fort, stressing inclusive development across communities. He also interacted with IDPs in the valley areas.

Modi highlighted his government's commitment to improving connectivity in Manipur since assuming power in 2014. He noted the increase in the budget for rail and road projects, the construction of rural roads, and the expenditure of ₹3,700 crore on national highways in Manipur.

The Prime Minister's visit is part of a wider tour across Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar, during which he will inaugurate and launch projects totaling ₹71,850 crore.

Opposition parties criticized the timing of Modi's visit, questioning why it took so long after the eruption of violence. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated that Modi should have visited much earlier and that it was unfortunate he allowed the situation to continue for so long. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the visit "tokenism" and a "grave insult" to the people of Manipur.

Despite the criticism, the Prime Minister's visit was seen by some as a positive step towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state. Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said that Modi's trip would pave the way for peace, normalcy, and accelerated growth.