Sh. Neiphiu Rio

Shri Neiphiu Rio is an Indian statesman serving as Chief Minister of Nagaland. A founding leader of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, he is the longest-serving Chief Minister in the state’s history and is widely recognised for his leadership in governance, peacebuilding, cultural preservation, tourism, and sustainable development.

Born on 11 November 1950 in Tuophema village, Kohima district, he belongs to the Angami Naga community. He received his early education at Baptist English School, Kohima, and Sainik School, Purulia, before studying at St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, and graduating from Kohima Arts College. He entered electoral politics in 1989 and served in several ministerial portfolios, including Sports, Education, Higher & Technical Education, Art & Culture, and Home. He became Chief Minister in 2003, later served as a Member of the Lok Sabha from 2014 to 2018, and returned as Chief Minister in 2018.