Advantage Assam 2.0: India’s Northeast at the Centre of Global Growth

PM Modi Inaugurates Mega Investment Summit, MEA Strengthens Global Ties for Assam’s Growth

Guwahati, February 25, 2025 – The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit commenced in Guwahati, marking a significant leap in India’s efforts to position Assam as a global investment destination. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiling Assam’s economic roadmap and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reinforcing India’s diplomatic and trade ties, the summit underscored Assam’s pivotal role in India’s ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies.

Assam’s Economic Expansion: A Doubling in Growth

In his inaugural address, PM Modi highlighted Assam’s rapid economic progress:

“In 2018, when the first edition of Advantage Assam was launched, the state’s economy was valued at ₹2.75 lakh crore. Today, it has doubled to ₹6 lakh crore. This is the double effect of a double-engine government,” he said.

He emphasized Assam’s natural resources, improved governance, and its role as the gateway to Southeast Asia, making it an attractive hub for global investments.

Assam’s Global Connectivity and Economic Expansion

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the summit, reinforced India’s commitment to making Assam the economic epicentre of regional trade and connectivity.

“Assam is at the forefront of India’s ‘Act East’ policy. We are expanding our trade routes, strengthening cross-border infrastructure, and unlocking new opportunities through enhanced diplomatic and economic engagements,” Jaishankar stated.

He highlighted key initiatives under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which have significantly boosted connectivity with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar, including:

• India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, enhancing regional trade.
• Strengthened border trade routes with Nepal and Bhutan, boosting economic exchanges.
• Power grids, fuel pipelines, and multimodal transport projects, making Northeast India a logistics hub.

“We are not just addressing past challenges but creating new growth opportunities for Assam and the entire Northeast,” Jaishankar emphasized.

He also underscored India’s expanding engagements with ASEAN, BIMSTEC, Japan, and South Korea, reinforcing Assam’s role as a bridge between India and the Indo-Pacific region.

Historic Investments: ₹1 Lakh Crore from Adani and Reliance

The summit attracted record-breaking investments, cementing Assam’s position as an industrial powerhouse:

• Reliance Industries (Mukesh Ambani) pledged ₹50,000 crore, focusing on digital expansion, technology, and industrial growth.
• Adani Group (Gautam Adani) committed ₹50,000 crore to infrastructure, energy, cement, and logistics sectors.

“Reliance will more than quadruple its investments in Assam, ensuring the state becomes a leader in digital transformation and industrial expansion,” Ambani stated.

Gautam Adani echoed similar optimism: “We are committed to Assam’s transformation into an economic powerhouse. Our investments will drive employment and economic growth across multiple sectors.”

Assam’s Semiconductor Push: Strengthening India’s Technological Future

A major announcement at the summit was Assam’s rise as a semiconductor manufacturing hub:

• Tata Semiconductor’s new assembly and technology facility in Jagiroad will bolster India’s domestic semiconductor supply chain.
• This aligns with India’s broader Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives to reduce dependence on imports.

“With Assam emerging as a semiconductor hub, we are laying the foundation for India’s leadership in high-tech innovation,” PM Modi remarked.

Global Endorsement: Diplomats and Investors Back Assam’s Growth

The summit saw participation from 61 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Bhutan, and Malaysia.

• Costa Rica’s Charge d’ Affaires, Sofia Salas Monge, praised Assam’s business-friendly policies.
• Maldives’ High Commissioner Aishath Azeema lauded India’s development strides in the Northeast.

The diplomatic presence underscored MEA’s success in making Assam a focal point for international trade and investment.

Sectoral Expansion: Assam’s Key Areas of Growth

The second day of Advantage Assam 2.0 will focus on critical industries, including:

• Infrastructure and semiconductor expansion – Led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
• Hydrocarbons and renewable energy – Spearheaded by Hardeep Singh Puri.
• Export promotion and investment opportunities – Addressed by Piyush Goyal.
• Multimodal transport and connectivity – Featuring Nitin Gadkari and Sarbananda Sonowal.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the valedictory address on February 26, outlining India’s economic roadmap for Assam and the Northeast.

Assam’s Economic Future: A $143 Billion Vision

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma projected Assam’s economy to reach $143 billion by 2030, emphasizing the state’s shift from an insurgency-prone region to a peaceful, investment-friendly hub.

“Assam has transformed dramatically. We are committed to providing the best infrastructure and business environment for investors,” Sarma said.

The Road Ahead: Assam as India’s Global Trade and Investment Hub

With strong governance, record-breaking investments, and global economic partnerships, Assam is poised to become a leading economic force in the Northeast and beyond.

As Advantage Assam 2.0 progresses, MEA’s efforts in strengthening diplomatic and trade ties will play a key role in ensuring that Assam emerges as a key pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific and ASEAN strategy.

The state’s journey from a regional economic hub to a critical player in global trade and industrial expansion is now well underway.

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