Guwahati, July 18 -- Assam has emerged as a front-runner in the NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index, ranking second among the northeastern and hilly states and 14th overall among 36 states and Union Territories, according to the report released by the government think tank.

With an overall score of 47.3, Assam secured the top position among the northeastern states, driven by strong government policies, a favourable institutional environment, and sustained improvements in infrastructure and law and order.

Reacting to the achievement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state's investment-friendly ecosystem had strengthened significantly in recent years.

"Backed by stable, industry-friendly policies, customised incenti...