MC EXCLUSIVE Talks with Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran soon on setting up second industry in Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Assam Electronics Roundtable on May 26

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that he will soon talk to Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran for the possibility of setting up a second project in the state, the chief minister Moneycontrol.

“In the Advantage Assam 2.0 event, the Tata Group CMD announced that they are going to set up another industry of a similar nature to the semiconductor one. Now, we have not talked to them about what exactly is in their mind. Once I talk to Mr. Chandrasekaran after a few days, I will be able to speak with more clarity,” Sarma told Moneycontrol in an interview on May 26.

Sarma was responding to a question on reports about possible industry interest in a Rs 30,000 crore mobile phone factory in Assam.

The Tata Group is currently setting up an OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing) facility at Jagiroad near Guwahati.

The government of Assam has also earmarked land adjacent to the Tata unit for an upcoming electronics manufacturing city. Sarma said this city would benefit from the common industrial and social infrastructure being developed around the Tata plant.

The Asian Development Bank is working with the state government to develop global-standard infrastructure for the electronics city, Sarma confirmed. “We are working with ADB to create proper infrastructure. If I say it’s of global standard, we are doing that,” he said.

To make Assam more attractive to electronics component manufacturers, the state has launched a new policy that offers a 60 percent top-up over the central government’s PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme for components.

Sarma said this was necessary to offset Assam’s disadvantages in geographical location and ecosystem readiness compared to states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

While investments are still at a nascent stage, interest from abroad appears to be growing. “Post (Tata) OSAT, there are many delegations coming. I think three to four Japanese delegations have already visited the Jagiroad facility. There is no commitment yet, but the visits are increasing. People are exploring opportunities,” Sarma said.

In parallel, the Assam government is also sharpening its focus on innovation and emerging technologies.

Sarma revealed that the state recently constituted a full-fledged ministry dedicated to startups and innovation, which will focus on areas like AI and deep tech, driven by the momentum around semiconductors.

“More than software, you need AI now… We understand that, and we are setting targets despite our limitations,” he said.

Beyond industrial development, Assam is also eyeing the cultural and entertainment economy.

Sarma confirmed that the state is negotiating with multiple event organisers to bring international concert acts to Assam.

This follows recent headlines about pop star Post Malone being slated for a performance in the state. “We have already announced a concert policy and are negotiating with two or three big organisers,” Sarma said.