New Delhi, June 7: A high-level delegation from the European Union, known as ‘Team Europe’, will visit Assam on June 8 and 9. The aim of the visit is to explore and enhance collaboration opportunities between Europe and the northeastern states of India, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
This initiative aligns with the priorities set forth in the comprehensive strategic agenda agreed upon during the EU-India summit in January 2026.
The focus of the visit will be on value chains in sectors where strong synergies exist between Europe, Assam, and the broader northeastern region. These sectors include renewable and green energy, sustainable urban infrastructure, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, tea and agri-food processing, flavors and fragrances, and the AYUSH sector.
The EU delegation will consist of ambassadors from EU member states, senior representatives, and members of the European business community, including Herve Delphin, the EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan.
During the visit, the ambassadors of ‘Team Europe’ will hold bilateral meetings with Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Additionally, a business delegation led by the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI) will discuss trade and investment opportunities with state officials.
A significant highlight will be the inauguration of Assam’s first “Blue Valley Cluster,” which will focus on the fragrance, flavor, AYUSH, and food processing industries. This project, based on a public-private-people partnership (4P) model, aims to promote innovation, research, and sustainable industrial development between Europe, northeastern India, and Bhutan.
The delegation will also participate in a workshop titled “Blue Valleys: Building Ecosystems and Value Chains Between India and Europe,” where Indian and European companies will explore new partnership opportunities. Furthermore, Team Europe will visit the new semiconductor plant established by Tata Electronics in Assam, showcasing the state’s emerging high-tech manufacturing sector.
This visit is not limited to economic cooperation; it is seen as a crucial step towards integrating northeastern India into global value chains. Through a combination of financial aid, skill development, and sustainability standards, this initiative aims to develop business models that benefit local communities and connect them to European markets.
Highlighting the significance of this visit, EU Ambassador Herve Delphin stated, “Northeastern India, particularly Assam, holds immense potential. Its resources, skilled workforce, and rapidly growing economy make it unique. Through initiatives like Blue Valleys, we are not just discussing cooperation but developing long-term business-to-business partnerships that will accelerate growth for both the EU and India.”
He further emphasized, “The broader framework for strengthening EU-India relations has been established at the summit, but its real success will be at the state level. The EU has a long-standing connection with Assam, and the progress being made through initiatives like Blue Valley is encouraging.”
In addition to meetings and the Blue Valley program, the delegation will also visit Tata Electronics’ new semiconductor plant, reflecting Assam’s growing role in high-technology manufacturing.
As two of the world’s largest democracies, the European Union and India share a commitment to a rules-based global order, effective multilateralism, and sustainable development. India has been a strategic partner of the EU since 2004, and 2022 marked 60 years of relations between the two.
Following the 16th EU-India summit held in New Delhi on January 27, 2026, cooperation between both parties is being advanced through the EU-India comprehensive strategic agenda, Indo-Pacific cooperation strategy, EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC), and the Global Gateway strategy. With over 50 regional dialogues, this partnership focuses on rapid and effective implementation in the interest of the people.
The Global Gateway is a strategy of the European Union aimed at promoting smart, clean, and secure connectivity in digital, energy, and transport sectors worldwide, while strengthening health, education, and research systems.
Under this initiative, the goal is to mobilize investments of up to 300 billion euros between 2021 and 2027 to support sustainable and reliable partnerships globally.