Scindia hypes French cash as Northeast gets makeover
A cabinet minister told business leaders on Monday that northeastern states represent an expanding zone for economic cooperation between India and France during remarks at an investment conference. Jyotiraditya Scindia, who oversees communications and regional development portfolios, characterized the gathering as connecting ambition with enterprise while celebrating bilateral ties rooted in confidence rather than formal agreements alone.
Speaking at the Indo-French North-East Investment Forum, Scindia noted the strategic relationship has deepened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to encompass defense manufacturing, space programs, renewable power, digital infrastructure and urban planning. He pointed to joint initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, established in 2015 and the introduction of digital payment systems at the Eiffel Tower last year as examples of collaboration. The minister said the region has received more than 6.2 lakh crore rupees through federal budget allocations, funding 6,500 kilometers of highway construction, 900 kilometers of rail lines and operations at 17 airports.
French companies active in the area include Total Energies, Airbus, Dassault Systèmes, Decathlon and POMA, which contribute to sectors ranging from clean energy to aviation and sustainable transportation, Scindia added.
