Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Highlights Growth of Indo-French Relations at Investment Forum in Guwahati
Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, delivered a compelling address at the Indo-French North-East Investment Forum in Guwahati today. This event marked the conclusion of his four-day tour of the Northeast. Scindia emphasized the significance of the forum as a vital link between vision and venture, highlighting the strong partnership between India and France, which he described as being built on trust rather than just treaties.
Strengthening India-France Relations
During his speech, Scindia underscored the evolution of India-France relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership. He characterized this partnership as one of the most comprehensive strategic alliances globally, merging “strategy with soul, and innovation with inclusion.” The collaboration spans various sectors, including defense, space, clean energy, digital transformation, and sustainable urban development. Scindia noted that this partnership reflects a mutual commitment to global progress, showcasing the potential for further cooperation in the future.
He highlighted significant milestones achieved through this partnership, such as the establishment of the International Solar Alliance in 2015, initiated by Modi and French President François Hollande. Other notable collaborations include advancements in smart city initiatives, the Rafale deal aligned with the AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative, and the upcoming launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2024. Scindia expressed optimism about extending these advancements to the Northeast, which he described as a burgeoning frontier for Indo-French collaboration.
Transforming the Northeast
Scindia elaborated on the transformative changes in the Northeast over the past decade, stating that the region has shifted from being perceived as landlocked to becoming “land-linked and future-ready.” He reported that over ₹6.2 lakh crore has been invested under the Government of India’s 10% Gross Budgetary Support allocation. This investment has led to the construction of 6,500 kilometers of new roads, 900 kilometers of railways, and the operationalization of 17 airports, achieving 96% village connectivity through the BharatNet initiative.
The Rising North East Investors Summit, according to Scindia, has showcased investment commitments totaling ₹4.48 lakh crore, indicating robust investor confidence in the region. He pointed out that Assam is emerging as a key player in India’s semiconductor ecosystem, with significant projects like the ₹22,864 crore Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway, which aims to enhance connectivity between Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur, thereby opening trade corridors to the Bay of Bengal and ASEAN countries.
Investment Opportunities in the Region
Scindia highlighted the existing French investments in the Northeast, mentioning companies such as Total Energies, Airbus, Dassault Systèmes, Decathlon, and POMA. These firms are already contributing to the region’s transformation in sectors like green energy, aviation, design innovation, retail, and sustainable mobility. He identified key investment opportunities across various sectors, including agri-business, renewable energy, tourism, smart urban infrastructure, handicrafts, IT innovation, aerospace, and education.
The minister invited French industries to explore joint ventures within India’s investor-friendly ecosystem, which is supported by initiatives like UNNATI, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI), and single-window facilitation. Scindia emphasized that Assam serves as “the gateway of the Northeast’s resurgence” and is central to India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific vision, reinforcing the region’s strategic importance.
Vision for the Future
In his concluding remarks, Scindia described the Northeast, with Assam at its core, as “India’s best-kept secret,” rich in beauty, spirit, and potential. He envisioned an Indo-French corridor that seamlessly connects technology with tradition and innovation with inclusion. He expressed hope that the forum would evolve into a dynamic bridge of opportunity, linking the Brahmaputra River to the Seine, and fostering collaboration from Paris to Pasighat. As India continues to rise under Modi’s leadership, Scindia urged stakeholders to work together to realize the full potential of this partnership.
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