‘From a regional powerhouse to a global investment hub – Assam’s rise is unstoppable’’: PM Modi unveils Advantage Assam 2.0

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 25, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati on Tuesday, outlining Assam’s rapid transformation into a global investment hub. He highlighted Assam’s remarkable economic growth, doubling its economy to nearly Rs 6 lakh crore in just six years and setting ambitious goals for the future.

Modi emphasized that Eastern and Northeast India are stepping into a new era of progress, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Recalling his 2013 prediction that ‘A for Assam’ would become a benchmark, he praised the state’s resilience and its strategic role in India’s economic expansion.

Assam: A rising economic powerhouse

Despite global economic uncertainties, Modi asserted that India continues to surge ahead with robust growth. With a skilled, youthful workforce and a burgeoning neo-middle class, India is positioning itself as a leading investment destination.

He pointed to Assam’s extraordinary development trajectory, citing key statistics that Assam’s economy has grown from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in 2018 to Rs 6 lakh crore in 2024.

He also said infrastructure transformation: Before 2014, Assam had only three bridges over the Brahmaputra River in 70 years; today, four new bridges have been built. He further mentioned that the railway budget for Assam has quadrupled from Rs 2,100 crore (2009-14) to Rs 10,000 crore.

He added that the launch of semi-high-speed trains between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri has improved connectivity.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that the air travel routes have expanded from 7 in 2014 to nearly 30 today, boosting economic and employment opportunities.

A game-changer for industry and investment

PM Modi asserted that Assam is poised to become the gateway between South East Asia and India, thanks to initiatives like the Northeast Transformative Industrialization Scheme, ‘Unnati’. This scheme will accelerate industrial growth, tourism, and infrastructure development across the region.

He encouraged global investors to capitalize on Assam’s strategic location, abundant resources, and progressive policies, citing the Assam tea industry as a legacy that has set global benchmarks.

Manufacturing & green energy revolution

Highlighting India’s focus on low-cost manufacturing, Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Make in India, especially in electronics, semiconductors, and green energy. Assam is emerging as a leader in these sectors, thanks to initiatives such as Tata Semiconductor Assembly & Test Facility in Jagiroad, boosting semiconductor innovation.

The Namrup-4 Urea Plant, ensuring self-sufficiency in fertilizers for the Northeast, he said.

India’s Renewable Energy Mission, with Assam playing a crucial role in green hydrogen and solar energy, he also said.

The future of Assam: A $150 billion economy

PM Modi projected Assam’s target of reaching a $150 billion economy by 2030, driven by investment-friendly policies, infrastructure expansion, and digital transformation.

“The world is witnessing the rise of Eastern India and the Northeast as a major force in India’s economic journey. Assam is at the heart of this transformation,” he remarked, urging industries to seize the moment.

A grand vision for Assam and beyond

The summit, attended by Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers S. Jaishankar, Sarbananda Sonowal, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and dignitaries from over 60 countries, showcased Assam’s investment potential on a global scale.

Concluding his address, Modi reassured investors of unwavering support, calling upon industry leaders to be partners in India’s journey towards becoming a global powerhouse. “Together, let’s make Assam the pride of the Global South!” he declared.

The Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit will continue till Wednesday, fostering key investment collaborations and paving the way for Assam’s future as an economic giant.