For nearly two decades, investment-led growth in Assam remained clouded by doubt, with security concerns acting as a major deterrent for investors. However, the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit held on Tuesday (February 25) has dispelled those uncertainties, marking a transformative moment for the state. With investments exceeding ₹1 lakh crore announced by some of India’s most influential corporate giants, Assam is poised for a new chapter of economic expansion. Among the most significant commitments, the Adani Group and Reliance Industries Limited have pledged ₹50,000 crore each, while the Tata Group has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest ₹27,000 crore in a greenfield semiconductor facility.
The high-profile summit, inaugurated in the presence of international business delegations from Malaysia, Thailand, Bhutan, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Australia, as well as diplomats and global industry leaders, has placed Assam firmly on the global investment map. Over the course of two days, the event will witness multiple high-level discussions and the signing of key agreements that could redefine the state’s economic landscape.
The vision for Assam in 2025 is set to be a game changer—not just for the state, but for the entire Northeast and India’s Act East policy, which is now being advanced under the slogan “Act East, Act Fast, and Act First.” The summit’s second edition struck the right chord with an electrifying opening ceremony a day prior on February 24 at Sarusajai Stadium, where 8,600 artists from the Adivasi community representing 800 tea gardens across Assam performed the vibrant Jhumoir dance. The grand spectacle titled Jhumoir Binandini was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting the stage for a momentous event.
Taking centre stage on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi built upon the spirit of the cultural showcase, emphasising that Assam and the Northeast are set to unlock their full potential in India’s journey towards “Viksit Bharat.” He described the Advantage Assam summit as a testament to this momentum.
“Eastern India and the Northeast are stepping into a future filled with promise, and Advantage Assam is a powerful initiative connecting Assam’s potential with the world,” he declared.
Reflecting on the nation’s growing global credibility, Modi highlighted Assam’s increasing contribution to India’s growth trajectory. He recalled that when the first edition of Advantage Assam took place in 2018, the state’s economy was valued at ₹2.75 lakh crore. Today, that figure has more than doubled to ₹6 lakh crore—an achievement he credited to the combined efforts of the central and state governments.
With large-scale investments pouring in, Assam has transformed into a land of limitless possibilities. Modi pointed out that prior to 2014, only three bridges spanned the Brahmaputra in over seven decades. In just 10 years, four new bridges have been constructed, including one named after Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika. He further noted that Assam’s railway budget has seen an exponential rise—from an average of ₹2,100 crore between 2009 and 2014 to ₹10,000 crore today—enabling the modernisation of over 60 railway stations and the introduction of the region’s first semi high-speed train between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri.
Expressing confidence in Assam’s ability to lead economic transformation, Modi underscored its strategic role as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia. He announced the launch of the ‘Unnati’ scheme under the North East Transformative Industrialisation initiative, which aims to accelerate industrial growth, investment, and tourism across the region. He urged business leaders to harness the opportunities Assam presents, highlighting its growing prominence in sectors such as natural gas, refining, electronics, semiconductors, and green energy.
A wave of corporate commitments
One of the most notable announcements came from Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, who pledged ₹50,000 crore across multiple sectors, including airports, aerocities, city gas distribution, cement production, and road infrastructure. Drawing a parallel with Gujarat’s economic journey, Adani recalled how the 2003 Resurgent Gujarat event laid the foundation for the now-iconic Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. “What started as a spark has evolved into a nationwide movement, inspiring states to drive investment-led economic transformation,” he remarked, expressing his confidence in Assam’s future.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani also committed ₹50,000 crore over the next five years, positioning Assam as a future technology powerhouse. In a statement that captured the optimism of the summit, he introduced the concept of “Assam Intelligence” (AI), a play on artificial intelligence, to describe the state’s young, technologically adept workforce.
“The world will soon see Assam as a land of immense opportunity. This state will emerge as a technological hub, driven by its talented youth who will redefine AI—Assam Intelligence,” Ambani stated.
He outlined four strategic priorities for Reliance’s investments: fostering AI-led innovation, expanding clean energy projects, establishing a mega food park to strengthen the agro-processing industry, and ensuring comprehensive Jio 5G connectivity to unlock Assam’s full economic potential.
Meanwhile, Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran reinforced the company’s longstanding connection with Assam while making a landmark announcement. Tata Group will invest ₹27,000 crore in a greenfield semiconductor assembly and testing facility, a project that will place Assam at the centre of India’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem. The plant will have the capacity to produce up to 48 million semiconductor chips daily and is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Tata Group also unveiled plans for a mobile phone technology facility in Assam, aiming to create 30,000 jobs and solidify India’s position in the global electronics manufacturing industry. He was of the opinion that from mobile phones to medical equipment, Assam-made chips will power “the next generation of technology,” while underlining the state’s growing role in high-tech industries.
Additionally, Tata has pledged to install 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Assam over the next five years, furthering its commitment to sustainable development. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will also be signed at the summit, fostering collaborations with leading technology ventures, skilling industries, and institutions such as IIT Guwahati to empower Assam’s workforce and bolster homegrown talent.
Assam’s economic aspirations take flight
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared that the summit is expected to attract investment proposals exceeding ₹120 trillion, with major MoUs set to be formalised over the two-day event. As the summit unfolds, Assam stands on the brink of a historic economic transformation—one that promises to elevate its status as an investment hub and a key driver of India’s growth story in the global south.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 is taking place in Guwahati from 25th to 26th February. The summit features an inaugural session, along with seven ministerial sessions and 14 thematic sessions, covering key aspects of Assam’s economic growth.
A major highlight of the event is a comprehensive exhibition showcasing Assam’s economic landscape, with a focus on its industrial evolution, global trade partnerships, thriving industries, and the dynamic MSME sector. The exhibition features participation from over 240 exhibitors, offering insights into Assam’s expanding business ecosystem.
The summit brings together a diverse range of participants, including international organisations, global investors and industry leaders, policymakers, experts, startups, and students, fostering dialogue on investment opportunities and future economic prospects.
