Assam Aims for $150 Billion Economy as PM Modi Inaugurates ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-anticipated ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ summit in Guwahati on February 25, 2025. The event marked a significant step in Assam’s economic growth strategy, with the ambitious goal of transforming the state into a $150 billion economy by 2030.

Assam: The Gateway to Southeast Asia

In his keynote address, PM Modi emphasized Assam’s crucial role as the gateway to Southeast Asia, highlighting its strategic importance in India's Act East Policy. The Prime Minister underscored the state’s economic growth, pointing out that Assam’s economy has expanded from ₹2.75 lakh crore in 2018 to nearly ₹6 lakh crore in 2025, effectively doubling in six years.

Key Investment Announcements

One of the most notable developments announced during the summit was the establishment of a Tata Semiconductor facility in Assam, which is expected to create numerous employment opportunities and enhance the state's industrial landscape. Additionally, PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and ease of doing business in Assam to attract domestic and foreign investors.

Assam’s Economic Growth Plan

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma echoed the Prime Minister’s optimism, emphasizing the state’s pro-business policies and investor-friendly environment. He pointed out that the state has already implemented key reforms to attract industries, streamline bureaucratic processes, and develop robust logistics and connectivity frameworks.

The first edition of ‘Advantage Assam’ held in 2018 resulted in the signing of 200 MoUs worth ₹1,00,000 crore, though only 51% were materialized—most of them from public sector undertakings (PSUs). Congress leaders criticized the summit as a rebranded version of Modi’s ‘Vibrant Gujarat’ model, questioning the actual implementation of promised projects and citing Assam’s 20th rank in the Ease of Doing Business index in 2020.

Political Reactions and Concerns

The event was not without controversy. The Congress party raised concerns about governance, alleging rampant corruption and selective law enforcement. Assam Congress general secretary in-charge Jitendra Singh questioned whether the Modi administration had taken any action against corruption in the state. The opposition also pointed to the growing issues of unemployment and alleged attacks on political opponents.

Looking Ahead

Despite political criticisms, ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’ aims to position the state as an economic powerhouse in Northeast India. The government’s focus on attracting private sector investments, boosting industrialization, and enhancing global trade partnerships is expected to play a crucial role in Assam’s journey towards a $150 billion economy.

As the summit unfolds, all eyes will be on the implementation of investment promises and whether Assam can truly leverage its strategic location to become a major player in India's economic landscape.