Reflecting on the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025, I am filled with pride and optimism. As the Knowledge Partner for this Summit, I witnessed first-hand the exceptional execution and scale of the summit. The event management was nothing short of impeccable – from seamless logistics to engaging sessions, every detail was handled with professionalism and Assamese hospitality. Dignitaries from around the globe graced the summit, making it a truly international affair.
The presence of so many ambassadors and high commissioners underscored Assam’s rising global profile. Never has the State hosted such a diverse assembly of world representatives. As I walked through the exhibition halls buzzing with thousands of attendees, the energy was palpable. There was a shared sentiment that Assam has arrived on the world map of investment destinations. The summit’s success is evidence to meticulous planning by the Government of Assam and the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who ensured every guest felt the promise of this land. From the spectacular 8,000+ strong Jhumoir dance ceremony to the packed B2B meetings, the event showcased Assam’s rich culture alongside its economic opportunities.
Economic Momentum and an Accelerated Growth Trajectory
The summit’s excitement rests on Assam’s strong economic foundation. Driven by prudent policies and the industrious spirit of its people, Assam’s GSDP nearly doubled from ₹2.75 lakh cr in 2018 to ₹6 lakh cr in 2024, with FY 2022-23 alone witnessing growth of 10.2%, outpacing India’s 7.2%. The economic structure is balanced, with the primary sector contributing 35%, secondary 19% and tertiary 46%. Impressively, from FY20-FY24, the primary sector grew at 13% CAGR, secondary at 11.4% (manufacturing alone at 13.2%) and tertiary at about 12.8%, despite global and domestic challenges. Assam has clearly transitioned into a high-growth phase, becoming an economic powerhouse in Eastern India.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit exemplified this momentum, securing ₹5 lakh cr in investment proposals—five times the 2018 figure—and over 300 MoUs across diverse sectors like energy, education, tourism and technology. Industry leaders like the Ambanis, Adanis, Tatas and Jindals participated actively. The Chief Minister’s declaration that the summit would transform his State is grounded in strategic investments in sectors where the State holds distinct advantages, highlighting Assam’s confident, targeted approach to growth.
A forward-looking analysis of Assam’s trajectory must recognise the visionary leadership guiding it. The Prime Minister’s ambitious goal for Assam—a $150 billion economy by 2030—underscores confidence in the State’s talent and commitment. Such national endorsements highlight Assam’s strategic importance within India’s broader development agenda.
Looking ahead to FY 2026 and FY 2027, Assam’s economic trajectory is highly promising, driven by significant growth in manufacturing and mining. Several catalytic projects will soon boost industrial GVA:
Semiconductors: Tata’s ₹27,000 cr Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility at Jagiroad will start operations by 2025.
Food and Beverages: PepsiCo’s ₹750+ cr food processing plant in Nalbari, its first in the North East, is set to open in 2025-26. Reliance’s large-scale Campa Cola bottling plant in Guwahati, already operational, can produce over 10 crore litres annually.
Ethanol and Green Fuel: Multiple grain-based ethanol units under Assam’s Ethanol Promotion Policy will bolster manufacturing and align with India’s clean energy objectives.
Mining and Petrochemicals: Oil India and ONGC are enhancing exploration and refining, strengthening Assam’s leading position in onshore natural gas production. The upcoming Namrup-IV fertilizer plant and expanding petrochemicals will further drive growth.
Supporting these developments are proactive Government policies. Assam has established a robust land bank to offer readily available industrial land, leveraged abundant raw materials like tea, agri-produce & minerals and streamlined approvals through single-window clearance system. This facilitation has significantly enhanced the ease of doing business, prompting many CXOs at the summit to acknowledge Assam’s swift action in resolving investor queries and providing infrastructure support.
No growth story is complete without connectivity and Assam’s recent strides in transport and logistics are propelling its economic rise. Major investments are transforming road infrastructure, highlighted by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s virtual announcement of projects worth ₹80,000 cr, including a tunnel under the Brahmaputra and an elevated corridor through Kaziranga. By 2029, projects totalling ₹3 lakh cr will significantly enhance intra-State and inter-State connectivity, boosting industry and tourism.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit wasn’t merely an event; it served as a launchpad for Assam’s future growth. It positioned the State as a strategic gateway between South East Asia and India. Beyond physical infrastructure, this gateway relies on innovation, ideas and industrious people.
A New Chapter Begins
Advantage Assam 2.0 showcased a forward-thinking State abundant with opportunities. The summit outcomes—investment commitments and valuable policy insights—lay a strong foundation for future development. Converting these commitments into tangible industries will require persistent effort. However, the talent and tenacity of Assam’s people assure continued momentum, firmly placing Assam on a path of accelerated growth. Advantage Assam 2.0 will be remembered as a crucial moment igniting a new era of prosperity.
Mitrabhanu Choudhury serves as a Partner at Ernst & Young (EY), where he leads strategy and transaction advisory within the Economic Development Advisory practice.
