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The UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB), marking its one-year milestone in London recently, highlighted the need for India to take an investor-centric path to attract global funding for its growing infrastructure requirements. Co-chaired by NITI Aayog and the City of London Corporation, the group shared recommendations that focus on aligning projects with global standards, enhancing transparency, and creating investor confidence. With India targeting an estimated USD 4.5 trillion in infrastructure investment by 2030, the report underlined that domestic sources alone will not be sufficient to meet this demand.
The UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB), co-led by NITI Aayog and the City of London Corporation, released a report in London earlier this week urging India to adopt an investor-centric approach to secure international capital for sustainable infrastructure growth. Advertisement
The partnership was launched as part of the UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue last year. In its first year, the UKIIFB's steering board consulted on key Indian projects, including national highways and regional rapid transport systems, before putting forward a set of practical proposals in its report.
NITI Aayog's CEO B. V. R. Subrahmanyam said that the collaboration is opening new opportunities for international investment by combining India's strength in high-growth sustainable ventures with the UK's expertise in project financing and execution. He added that the initiative supports India's progress towards becoming an economic power with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability.
Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, noted the bridge's vital role in mobilising capital for India's critical projects. He pointed out that the report highlights the importance of providing clarity, confidence, and consistency to attract investors.
The report also acknowledged India's growing need for infrastructure investment, driven by rapid urbanisation and a rising middle class. With a projected requirement of around USD 4.5 trillion in investment by 2030, it stressed that domestic resources will not be enough to meet this target.
For the next phase, the UKIIFB has recommended adopting globally recognised standards to make Indian projects more appealing to foreign investors, improving transparency and risk management to build trust, and developing a stronger ecosystem by building closer ties with local industry. These measures are aimed at reducing outdated perceptions and creating a predictable and investor-friendly environment.
The UKIIFB was set up to strengthen bilateral collaboration in project finance and has involved representatives from both governments, engineering and construction companies, and legal firms. In its first year, the committee worked on guiding policymakers and helping projects reach the "last mile" stage where they can attract private sector investment.
Source PTI
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