New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit in Guwahati today, in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, several Union and state ministers, foreign envoys, and prominent industry leaders commits
In his inaugural address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized Assam’s rich industrial heritage and its potential to become a dominant force in India’s industrial landscape. The Advantage Assam 2.0 summit witnessed record-breaking investment commitments across various sectors. Industry Titans Pledge Over ₹1.22 Lakh Crore in Investments that highlighting the state’s growing appeal as an investment destination.
The summit serves as a platform to showcase Assam’s well-established industrial ecosystem, strategic locational advantages, tailored investment policies, and an expansive market with immense potential to generate lucrative returns.
Reaffirming the Indian government’s steadfast commitment to Assam’s industrial development, PM Modi lauded the state’s efforts in diversifying its economy, particularly by focusing on technology and manufacturing.
Highlighting India’s rising global stature, he stated, “All global leaders recognize India’s rapid growth. The world now places immense trust in India’s youth, who are continuously gaining skills and driving innovation. The aspirations of India’s neo-middle class, combined with political stability, further bolster this confidence.”
The Prime Minister outlined key infrastructure projects that have accelerated Assam’s development. He remarked, “We have relentlessly worked to improve connectivity in the Northeast. Before 2014, there were only three bridges on the Brahmaputra. Since then, we have built four additional bridges, significantly strengthening Assam’s transport network.”
Speaking on railway expansion, he noted, “The railway budget for Assam has quadrupled since 2014, resulting in extensive development.” Similarly, he highlighted Assam’s air connectivity growth: “Until 2014, Assam had only seven flight routes. Today, there are 30 operational routes, vastly improving connectivity.”
The Prime Minister also underscored the government’s efforts in fostering long-term peace in the region, saying, “Over the past few years, we have signed several peace accords, ensuring lasting stability.”
Discussing India’s expanding global trade relations, he said, “India is actively pursuing more free trade agreements. As the country strengthens its ties with the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia, Assam will play a crucial role in this transformation.”
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma described the summit as a milestone in Assam’s industrial journey. Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of Assam, he thanked PM Modi for his leadership and unwavering support.
The Chief Minister noted that the summit coincides with the celebration of 200 years of Assam Tea, which marks a significant industrial legacy. He recalled that Assam’s tea industry was discovered in 1823, making it the state’s first major industry.
Dr. Sarma highlighted Assam’s pioneering role in India’s oil industry and noted that coal was discovered in the state as early as 1847, setting the stage for Assam’s industrial growth. He pointed out that at the time of India’s independence, Assam was an economic frontrunner, thriving on tea, natural resources, and hydrocarbon reserves, with a per capita income exceeding the national average by 4%.
He further emphasized that under PM Modi’s visionary leadership, Assam has undergone a historic transformation. He remarked, “The Prime Minister’s dedication has ushered Assam into an era of rapid growth and renewed optimism.”
Citing infrastructure progress, he revealed that since 2014, more than 2,324 km of National Highways have been built, while Indian Railways has completed 600 km of meter gauge conversion. He also noted that Assam has emerged as a significant player in India’s aviation sector, with its airport ranking as the seventh busiest in the country.
The Chief Minister highlighted Assam’s economic growth, stating that the state’s GDP has surged from $29 billion in 2013–14 to $68.7 billion in 2023–24, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4%.
Encouraging industrialists, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore Assam’s vast potential, Dr. Sarma assured them that the state is fully prepared to be a reliable investment partner, offering boundless opportunities for growth and success.
The event also witnessed speeches from top industry leaders, including Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Reliance Industries CMD Mukesh Ambani, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, and JSW Group CMD Sajjan Jindal.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran praised Assam’s advancements in the technology sector, particularly the upcoming ATMP facility by Tata Electronics in Jagiroad. He acknowledged the state’s favorable industrial ecosystem and outlined future collaborations, pledging investments in green energy and mobile chip manufacturing over the next five years.
Mukesh Ambani identified five key areas for investment—clean energy, food and non-food processing, bamboo, consumer durables, and Assam’s renowned silk industry in Sualkuchi. He announced an investment commitment of ₹50,000 crore over the next five years.
Gautam Adani echoed this sentiment, also pledging ₹50,000 crore over five years for clean energy and infrastructure projects, including road development.
Vedanta Group’s Anil Agarwal likewise committed ₹50,000 crore in investments, while JSW Group’s Sajjan Jindal assured funding for renewable and thermal power projects in Assam.
The summit’s inaugural ceremony saw participation from Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal and Jyotiraditya Scindia, Bhutan’s Minister of Agriculture & Livestock Younten Phuntsho, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, various state ministers, and foreign diplomats.