At Davos, Himanta says Assam has ‘finally arrived’ as India eyes third-largest economy

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 20 said India is firmly on course to become the world’s third-largest economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that Assam has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Centre’s development-oriented policies. 

Highlighting the impact of the Prime Minister’s Act East Policy, Sarma said Assam has transformed into the fastest-growing economy in the country, as reflected in the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India.

The chief minister said Assam’s traditional strength in hydrocarbons continues to anchor its economic base, while the state is simultaneously making significant advances in green and renewable energy sectors. 

He noted that sustained infrastructure expansion, improved connectivity with Southeast Asia, and investor-friendly reforms have repositioned Assam as a key growth engine in the Northeast.

Stating that “Assam has finally arrived,” Sarma invited investors, industry leaders and global stakeholders to look at the state as a destination of immense opportunity and long-term potential, underscoring the government’s commitment to balanced, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Also Read: Assam CM meets Tata chairman, lines up talks with global semiconductor firms at Davos

Assam’s bid to build a semiconductor ecosystem took centre stage at the World Economic Forum as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held talks with N Chandrasekaran on January 20, underscoring the Tata Group’s role in anchoring the sector in the state.

The Chief Minister said the discussion with the Tata Group chairman came ahead of meetings with global semiconductor leaders on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. In a post on X, Sarma noted that Tata’s presence has created momentum for Assam’s chip ambitions and said the government is keen to “strengthen this ecosystem by joining hands with key global players”.

Assam is attending the WEF for the first time this year. Speaking to reporters at Davos, Sarma said interest in the state had grown as the ecosystem “is gradually being developed” with Tata on board.

“We are having a good meeting tomorrow on semiconductor. Along with Tata, we are lining up. There is a lot of interest in Assam because with Tata being there, the ecosystem is gradually being developed,” he said, adding that discussions with industry leaders were expected to help move plans forward, even though “nothing specific is on the table” yet.