India-EU trade deal to be a game changer: Assam CM at Davos

Davos, Jan 21 (IANS) The trade deal between India and the European Union (EU) is going to be a game-changer as ​they share strong and trusted ties, with growing cooperation across sectors, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday.

Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting here, Sarma said that our companies need access to different markets, and this need will be fulfilled with the upcoming India-EU trade deal.

“Europe clearly sees India as a dependable partner, which is evident from recent statements by the European Union leadership. The European Union’s own speeches underline India’s emergence as a major global investment hub. India’s stable policies and fast-growing economy are attracting sustained European investments and partnerships,” Sarma told IANS.

The India-EU Summit, scheduled for January 27, comes as part of the steady strengthening of economic relations between the two sides amid growing uncertainties in global markets triggered by the US tariff turmoil and dramatic geopolitical shifts in the world order.

Sarma said that the IMF has just revised India’s growth target, projecting a growth rate of 7.3 per cent for FY26.

“India will soon become the third-largest economy in terms of GDP and has many other advantages,” he noted.

“India is a mature democracy with consistency and patience. So, even if one or two strategies don’t work, we should not be worried because we can diversify and explore other markets. Our economy has many strengths, and we have a large domestic market,” he mentioned.

Sarma said that this is the first time “we have come to Davos”.

“Our responsibility was to introduce global leaders to Assam. People are listening to us and are committing to invest,” he told IANS.

Earlier, Sarma said that the state is proactively preparing its workforce for an increasingly automated and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future, leveraging its young demographic advantage and focusing on industry-aligned skill development.

Speaking at the WEF annual meeting during an earlier event, CM Sarma shared how Assam is reshaping its skilling ecosystem to meet the demands of emerging technologies and future-ready industries.

–IANS

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