EU Ties Set to Boost Assam’s Innovation and Local Industries

Ambassador Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, met recently in New Delhi with Dr. Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary of Assam, to discuss EU-India cooperation in the North East and Assam. During their engagement, both officials reiterated the European Union's commitment to promoting opportunities for cooperation and investments in the North East and Assam, with particular focus on technology, semiconductors, green energy, and fragrances.

Follow-Up to Advantage Assam 2.0

The meeting builds upon the momentum from Advantage Assam 2.0, investment and infrastructure summit held earlier in 2025. As part of this follow-up initiative, the Chief Secretary and the Ambassador explored prospects for organizing a workshop in Guwahati in February. This workshop will facilitate the establishment of an EU Technical Facility designed to foster European private investment and public-private partnerships in the region.

Blue Valley Initiative and Grassroots Economic Development

A key focus of the discussions centers on the Blue Valley initiative, a targeted collaboration aimed at promoting flavours and fragrances from Assam and the North East. This initiative carries significant social dimensions, as it specifically seeks to benefit women and tribal farmers from the region. Through this partnership, the EU aims to create pathways for local producers to access international markets while supporting vulnerable communities.

Key Areas of EU-India Engagement

Ambassador Delphin emphasized that the European Union's engagement in the North East aligns with the EU Global Gateway framework. According to the Chief Secretary's statement, discussions encompassed cooperation opportunities in four sectors: technology, semiconductors, green energy, and fragrances. These areas represent critical growth engines for the region's economic development and align with both the European Union's sustainability priorities and India's development objectives.

The EU Global Gateway represents the European Union's approach to fostering smart, green, and secure connectivity investments, prioritizing sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

Institutional Strengthening

The proposed EU Technical Facility in Guwahati marks a significant institutional advancement in EU-India cooperation at the regional level. Such a facility would serve as a dedicated platform to bridge European investors with local entrepreneurs and development opportunities, facilitating knowledge transfer and investment mobilization in key growth sectors.