AIIB Sets Sights on Expanding Infrastructure Lending Amid Growing Demand

AIIB aims to increase its annual lending to USD 17-18 billion over the next 3-4 years due to rising infrastructure demands. The bank, which has funded USD 12 billion in India, seeks to finance public and private projects, including green energy and digital infrastructure, with significant private sector involvement.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) intends to boost its average annual lending to USD 17-18 billion within the next three to four years, responding to the surging demand for infrastructure development, Ajay Bhushan Pandey, AIIB's Vice President (Investment Solutions), announced on Tuesday.

Currently, AIIB allocates about USD 10 billion annually, but the Beijing-based bank has already extended USD 12 billion in loans to India, including USD 1.8 billion earmarked for private sector investments. As part of its strategy, AIIB is collaborating with various line ministries to set up a sovereign project pipeline.

AIIB's focus areas include renewable and green energy, digital infrastructure like data centers, and affordable housing. The institution is also engaging in dialogues with Indian state officials to structure public and private sector infrastructure projects, emphasizing that India requires about USD 1.5 trillion for comprehensive infrastructure development.