Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 in Guwahati on Tuesday, heralding a new era of growth and opportunity for India’s northeastern region. The two-day event, which aims to position Assam as a prime investment destination, has already garnered significant attention from global investors and industry leaders.
A Vision for Northeast’s Resurgence
In his inaugural address, PM Modi emphasised the crucial role that Eastern India, particularly the Northeast, has played and will continue to play in shaping India’s economic prosperity. “History is witness that Eastern India has played a significant role in India’s prosperity. Today, as India moves towards rapid development, once again, the Northeast is poised to showcase its immense potential,” Modi stated.
The Prime Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the ‘double engine’ government, noting that since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in Assam, the state’s economy has doubled to Rs 6 lakh crore. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma projecting the state’s economy to reach $143 billion by 2030.
Modi’s vision for Assam extends beyond mere economic growth. He envisions the state evolving from a “tea paradise” to a “tech paradise,” with the youth of Assam shining across sectors, including technology. This transformation is already underway, with Assam emerging as a start-up hub and poised to become a manufacturing centre for the northeast region.
Investment Commitments and Infrastructure Development
The summit has already witnessed substantial investment commitments from industry giants. Reliance Industries Limited Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Adani Group Chairperson Gautam Adani each announced investments of Rs 50,000 crore in Assam. These investments are expected to span various sectors, including digital infrastructure, clean energy, food processing, and hospitality.
Ambani outlined five priority areas for Reliance’s investments, including making Assam tech-ready and AI-ready, establishing the state as a hub for clean and green energy, developing food and non-food consumer products, expanding Reliance Retail’s presence, and boosting the high-end hotel and hospitality economy.
The state government has approved Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over Rs 1.2 lakh crore, with total investments projected to exceed Rs 1.5 lakh crore through the summit. This influx of capital is expected to accelerate industrialisation, infrastructure development, and employment generation in the region.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 summit features an inaugural session, seven ministerial sessions, and 14 thematic sessions, along with a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the state’s economic landscape. Over 240 exhibitors are participating, highlighting Assam’s industrial evolution, global trade partnerships, and the vibrant MSME sector.
The event has drawn participation from seven countries—Australia, Bhutan, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand—underscoring its international appeal. This global interest is a testament to Assam’s strategic location as a gateway to Southeast Asia and its rich natural resources.
As the summit progresses, it is clear that Advantage Assam 2.0 marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards becoming a key player in India’s economic growth story. With substantial investments pouring in and a renewed focus on technology and sustainable development, Assam is well-positioned to drive the Northeast’s resurgence and contribute significantly to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The success of this summit not only highlights the economic potential of Assam but also serves as a beacon of hope for the entire northeastern region. As PM Modi aptly put it, “This Advantage Assam 2.0 is a great campaign to connect the whole world with the possibilities and progress of Assam”. With continued support from the central government and increasing investor confidence, the Northeast is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic future.
