Photos’ Credit: x.com/EUAmbIndia
A high-level European Union delegation concluded its two-day visit to Assam on **June 9** with the launch of the state’s first Blue Valley Cluster, the signing of a business cooperation agreement, and discussions aimed at expanding trade, investment and technology partnerships between Europe and Northeast India.
Led by Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan, the “Team Europe” delegation brought together ambassadors, senior representatives from EU member states, European businesses and industry bodies to explore opportunities for deeper engagement with Assam and the wider Northeast region.
The visit comes as India and the European Union seek to deepen cooperation under the EU-India Comprehensive Strategic Agenda adopted at the India-EU Summit earlier this year. It also reflects growing European interest in Northeast India, a region increasingly seen as strategically important due to its location, natural resources, biodiversity and emerging industrial capabilities.
Blue Valley Cluster launched to strengthen Europe-Northeast India value chains
A key outcome of the visit was the launch of Assam’s first Blue Valley Cluster, a flagship initiative focused on fragrances, flavours, AYUSH products and food processing.
The initiative, led by the Assam government in collaboration with European partners, aims to strengthen economic linkages between Europe, Northeast India and Bhutan through innovation, research, sustainable manufacturing and business collaboration. It forms part of the broader Blue Valleys initiative unveiled during the 2026 EU-India Summit and is designed to connect local producers, startups, researchers and industries with international value chains and global markets.
The launch took place in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Ambassador Delphin, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Sibi George, Belgium’s Ambassador to India Didier Vanderhasselt, and representatives of the Federation of European Businesses in India (FEBI).
The delegation also participated in the workshop, “Blue Valleys: Building Ecosystems and Value Chains Between India and Europe,” which brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore opportunities in sustainable industries, innovation and value-chain development.
CM Sarma, EU delegation discuss strengthening Indo-EU cooperation
During the visit, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met members of the European delegation and discussed ways to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation between Assam and Europe.
Sharing details of the discussions, Minister Sarma said: “We exchanged notes on the advantages Assam can offer in strengthening Indo-EU linkages under the leadership of Adarniya Narendra Modi ji.”
The Chief Minister also hosted a roundtable luncheon with members of FEBI and the visiting delegation, where discussions focused on investment opportunities, industrial collaboration, technology partnerships, skilling initiatives and business-to-business engagement.
Earlier, welcoming the delegation, CM Sarma highlighted Assam’s transformation into an emerging industrial destination. “From barely featuring in the country’s industrial landscape to emerging as one of its growth engines, Assam has travelled a long way under the leadership of Adarniya Narendra Modi Ji.”
Referring to the Blue Valley initiative, he added: “Tomorrow, in the presence of the largest-ever EU delegation… we will launch the Blue Valley Cluster initiative, ushering in transformative change for our farmers by leveraging our unique natural resources and creating new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and youth through direct access to European markets.”
According to CM Sarma, sectors such as semiconductors and electronics, defence and aviation, tea, agarwood, organic foods, natural fragrances and flavours, and AYUSH-based wellness products offer significant opportunities for Assam-Europe collaboration.
Business cooperation pact signed
In another major outcome of the visit, the Assam Industrial Development Corporation Limited (AIDC) and the Federation of European Businesses in India (FEBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening business engagement between Assam and Europe.
The agreement seeks to promote investment awareness, facilitate business-to-business and business-to-government linkages, and encourage knowledge exchange between European and Assamese enterprises.
State officials said the partnership would help attract investment, support technology transfer, strengthen skilling initiatives and create new opportunities for industrial collaboration.
Delegation visits Tata semiconductor facility
The visit began on June 8, when the European delegation arrived in Guwahati for a programme focused on enhancing economic and strategic cooperation with Northeast India.
One of the most significant engagements on the opening day was a visit to the Tata Electronics semiconductor assembly and test facility at Jagiroad in Morigaon district, one of India’s flagship semiconductor projects and the country’s first semiconductor facility being developed in the Northeast.
The delegation, led by Ambassador Delphin and Ambassador Vanderhasselt, received first-hand insights into Assam’s emerging semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Morigaon district officials briefed the visitors on the progress of the project and the broader electronics manufacturing ecosystem taking shape in the state.
According to the district administration, the delegation gained exposure to “the advanced electronics and semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem taking shape at Jagiroad.”
The visit highlighted the growing importance of cooperation under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council and provided European stakeholders with a closer look at Assam’s ambitions in advanced manufacturing and strategic technology sectors.
Focus on renewable energy, healthcare, semiconductors and AYUSH
Throughout the two-day visit, discussions focused on sectors where Assam and Europe share strong synergies, including renewable and green energy, sustainable urban infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and electronics manufacturing, tea and agri-food processing, fragrances and flavours, and AYUSH.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Delphin said Assam’s combination of natural resources, human capital and commitment to innovation makes it an attractive destination for international businesses. “Assam’s natural resources, human talent and commitment to sustainable innovation make it an attractive destination for international businesses.”
He said the Blue Valleys initiative would serve as a bridge between European and Indian enterprises while promoting sustainable development, innovation and community growth.
The European Union also highlighted ongoing cooperation initiatives in Assam, including CITIS 2.0 in Guwahati and the Barak River Basin Management Action Plan, while expressing confidence that deeper industrial and investment partnerships would benefit the wider Northeast region.
Officials on both sides said the visit is expected to open new avenues for trade, investment, innovation and technology cooperation, while positioning Assam as an increasingly important gateway for deeper Europe-Northeast India engagement.
