Guwahati, Feb 25: It rained big in Assam when it came to investment commitments, with industry giants pledging several thousands of crores at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit.

With staggering investment commitments being announced by various companies at Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit, Assam surely is now transitioning to a diverse hub for technology, energy, and manufacturing, signalling a new era of industrial growth and global integration.

The tone was set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said East India and North East India are embarking on a new journey of the future today and Advantage Assam is a mega initiative to intertwine the incredible potential and progress of Assam with the world. PM Modi received a memento of Assam’s iconic one-horned rhino—crafted from a semiconductor chip.

“Today, Northeast and Eastern India are rapidly advancing in infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, tourism, and industry” Modi said inaugurating the summit. He expressed confidence that the day is not far when the world will see this region leading India’s development journey. He invited everyone to be partners and companions in this journey with Assam and called for collective efforts to make Assam a state that elevates India’s capabilities to new heights across the global south.

“The day is not far when Assam will become a major manufacturing hub in Eastern India”. He emphasized that the Central Government is fully supporting the state Government of Assam in achieving this goal.

Prime Minister Modi proudly noted that Assam is developing as an important centre for semiconductor manufacturing in India and mentioned the recent inauguration of the Tata Semiconductor Assembly & Test facility in Jagiroad, Assam, which will promote technological growth in the Northeast. He emphasized the collaboration with IIT for innovation in the semiconductor sector and the ongoing work on a semiconductor research centre in the country.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wants the state to be a contributory state in India’s growth journey. “Assam is now dreaming big,” he said.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced a massive investment of over Rs 50,000 crore in Assam over the next five years. He emphasized that Assam, traditionally known as a “tea paradise,” is on the cusp of becoming a “technology paradise.”

“In the coming years and decades, Assam will be known to the world as a technological paradise,” Ambani declared. He further added, “AI, which stands for Artificial Intelligence, will also soon mean Assam Intelligence, as Assam’s tech-savvy youth redefine the future.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani also pledged an investment of Rs 50,000 crore across key sectors, including Aerocity, City Gas Distribution (CGD), cement production, and infrastructure. Adani lauded Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s governance, calling him an inspiring leader who has turned hope into action and progress.

The Tata Group which has already made a huge investment in the form of a Semiconductor Facility at Jagiroad moved ahead with plans to installation of 5GW renewable energy capacity in Assam over the next five years and set up a large manufacturing technology facility that will create 30,000 job opportunities.

Cairn Oil & Gas, part of Vedanta Group, and India’s largest private Oil & Gas producer, committed to an investment in the exploration and production of oil and gas worth Rs. 50,000 crores in the region on the opening day of Advantage Assam 2.0. – the state’s global investment conclave in Guwahati.

Union Minister for Electronics & IT and Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced a new semiconductor plant, an electronics manufacturing cluster in Kamrup, and the establishment of a NIELIT University campus in Jagiroad.

There was international support too with the European Union saying it is heavily investing in the North East to support initiatives such as Smart Cities, rivers etc keeping in mind the State and region’s geographical importance. Ambassador of Japan to India Ono Keiichi, said his country is supporting key projects in Assam.

Simon Wong, High Commissioner of Singapore to India said Assam is a priority State for Singapore and there is a keen focus towards the State and committed investments here.

As Advantage Assam 2.0 progresses, all eyes will be on how these ambitious commitments translate into lasting impact for the region.

Read: ‘Question to investigate USTM does not arise’; Rakkam refuse to comment on Haque’s arrest

WATCH: