At the prestigious Davos summit, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma made headlines by calling the India-EU free trade agreement a pivotal shift that will redefine economic ties. In an in-depth interview, he detailed the strong foundations of trust between the two powers and their growing synergies in trade, tech, and beyond.
Indian firms need global footholds, Sarma argued, and this FTA will deliver just that. EU statements in recent months paint India as an emerging powerhouse for investments, fueled by consistent governance and a booming economy that’s hard to ignore.
With the India-EU leaders’ meeting slated for January 27, timing couldn’t be better against a backdrop of US trade uncertainties and worldwide geopolitical flux. The IMF’s fresh projection of 7.3% growth for India in 2025-26 reinforces its ascent to the third spot in global GDP rankings.
Sarma praised India’s democratic maturity, which fosters steadfast policies and strategic flexibility. ‘We pivot to new markets effortlessly, backed by a massive internal consumer base,’ he said. For the first time, Assam’s team is in Davos, pitching the state’s potential and securing investor commitments.
Sarma also spotlighted Assam’s forward-thinking initiatives in AI and automation skilling. The state is channeling its young population into targeted vocational programs tailored for tomorrow’s industries. During a WEF panel, he elaborated on overhauling Assam’s training infrastructure to meet cutting-edge tech needs.
As India eyes superpower status, this FTA signals a new era of prosperity, with Assam leading the charge from the Northeast.