Davos, Jan 21 (NationPress) The forthcoming trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU) is poised to be transformative, as both parties enjoy strong and reliable relations, along with increasing collaboration across various sectors, stated Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday.

While speaking to IANS during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual gathering, Sarma emphasized the necessity for our businesses to gain access to diverse markets, a requirement that the impending India-EU trade deal will address.

“Europe evidently views India as a trustworthy ally, which is highlighted by the recent remarks from EU officials. Their statements further emphasize India’s rise as a significant global investment center. The consistency of India’s policies and its rapidly expanding economy are drawing ongoing European investments and collaborations,” Sarma conveyed to IANS.

The upcoming India-EU Summit, slated for January 27, marks a crucial step in the continuous enhancement of economic ties between the two entities, especially in light of the growing unpredictability in global markets due to US tariff issues and significant geopolitical changes.

Sarma also noted that the IMF has recently updated India’s growth forecast, now predicting a growth rate of 7.3 percent for FY26.

“India is on the verge of becoming the third-largest economy by GDP, possessing numerous other advantages,” he remarked.

“India exemplifies a robust democracy characterized by stability and patience. Therefore, even if one or two strategies falter, there is no cause for concern as we can diversify and seek alternative markets. Our economy possesses numerous strengths, including a vast domestic market,” he added.

Sarma mentioned that this marks the first occasion “we have come to Davos”.

“Our mission was to introduce global leaders to Assam. People are paying attention to us and are committing to invest,” he informed IANS.

Earlier, Sarma stated that the state is actively preparing its workforce for a future increasingly driven by automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), capitalizing on its youthful demographic and prioritizing skills that align with industry needs.

During a previous event at the WEF annual meeting, CM Sarma elaborated on how Assam is reconfiguring its skill development framework to align with the requirements of emerging technologies and industries of the future.