- Investment under 10% GBS allocation: over ₹6.2 lakh crore
- New roads constructed: 6,500 km
- Railways added: 900 km
- Airports operationalised: 17
- Village connectivity under BharatNet: 96%
- Rising North East Investors Summit commitments: ₹4.48 lakh crore
- Shillong-Silchar Greenfield Expressway cost: ₹22,864 crore
- International Solar Alliance launched: 2015
- UPI launched at Eiffel Tower: 2024
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia spoke at the Indo-French North-East Investment Forum held in Guwahati, wrapping up his four-day visit to the Northeast region. He praised the strong bond between India and France, calling it a partnership built on mutual trust rather than just agreements.
India-France Partnership Reaches New Heights
Scindia pointed out how ties between the two nations have grown into a broad strategic alliance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance. This relationship covers areas like defence, space, clean energy, digital growth, and sustainable urban development, showing a joint dedication to worldwide advancement.
Key achievements include the start of the International Solar Alliance in 2015 by PM Modi and then French President François Hollande, work on smart cities and city infrastructure, the Rafale deal supporting self-reliant India, and the introduction of UPI at the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2024, taking Indian digital payments to Europe.
The minister stressed that this cooperation now reaches the Northeast, positioning the area as a fresh hub for joint efforts between India and France.
Northeast Transforms into Growth Engine
Over the last ten years, the Northeast has changed from being cut off to becoming well-connected and prepared for the future. Central government funds exceeding ₹6.2 lakh crore through the 10 percent Gross Budgetary Support have led to building 6,500 kilometres of fresh roads, laying 900 kilometres of rail lines, making 17 airports functional, and linking 96 percent of villages via BharatNet.
The recent investors summit for the rising Northeast attracted pledges totalling ₹4.48 lakh crore, indicating high business interest. Assam stands out with its developing semiconductor setup and major projects such as the ₹22,864 crore expressway from Shillong to Silchar, which will link Assam and Meghalaya to Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur, creating routes to the Bay of Bengal and ASEAN countries.
French Companies Active in the Region
Several French firms are already contributing to the area’s progress. Total Energies works in green energy, Airbus and Dassault Systèmes in aviation and design, Decathlon in retail, and POMA in eco-friendly transport solutions.
Investment Scope in Assam and Northeast
Scindia invited French businesses to invest in sectors like farming and food processing, renewable power, tourism, intelligent city systems, traditional crafts, information technology, aerospace, and higher education. He mentioned supportive policies including UNNATI, Production Linked Incentive schemes, and one-stop clearance systems that make starting ventures easier.
He referred to Assam as the entry point for the Northeast’s revival and the core of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. The region, centred around Assam, offers calm landscapes, resilient communities, and huge untapped possibilities.
Building Bridges for Future Collaboration
The minister envisioned a corridor linking India and France that joins modern technology with local heritage and new ideas with broad participation. As India advances confidently under PM Modi’s direction and Assam drives the Northeast’s success, this forum can become a real pathway for opportunities from the Brahmaputra river to the Seine, connecting Paris to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.