New Delhi : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday held a series of high-level meetings with Union ministers to discuss hydrocarbon exploration, trade opportunities, tea industry concerns and major infrastructure projects aimed at accelerating the state’s economic growth.

During his meeting with Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Sarma emphasized Assam’s potential to play a larger role in India’s energy sector through enhanced oil and gas exploration and increased production from existing hydrocarbon fields.

The Chief Minister said discussions focused on expanding the state’s hydrocarbon potential and identifying ways to boost exploration activities across Assam. He noted that the Union minister’s insights on global energy trends and geopolitical developments were valuable in shaping future strategies for the sector.

“His views on global affairs and the current energy scenario have been extremely insightful,” Sarma said, adding that greater hydrocarbon production would enable Assam to contribute more significantly to India’s growth story.

Sarma also met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss the implications of India’s recently concluded Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and their potential impact on Assam’s economy.

The discussions explored how local entrepreneurs, small businesses and farmers could benefit from enhanced market access created through the trade agreements. Sarma congratulated the Commerce Ministry on successfully negotiating the deals and highlighted the need to ensure that Assam’s key sectors derive maximum advantage from emerging global trade opportunities.

A significant part of the conversation focused on addressing challenges faced by Assam’s tea industry, one of the state’s most important economic sectors. The leaders discussed possible measures to resolve industry concerns and improve competitiveness in international markets.

Infrastructure development was another major focus of Sarma’s visit to the national capital. In his meeting with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of several strategic projects underway in Assam.

The discussions covered the proposed Brahmaputra Underwater Tunnel, the Kaziranga Elevated Corridors, ongoing national highway expansion works and road repair initiatives across the state.

Sarma said Assam’s infrastructure transformation has received significant support from the Centre and stressed the need to expedite ongoing projects to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activity and strengthen regional development.

According to the Chief Minister, the meetings were aimed at securing greater central support for Assam’s priorities in energy, trade and infrastructure, sectors viewed as critical to sustaining the state’s growth momentum and enhancing its role in India’s broader economic development.