AustralianSuper Chief Executive Officer Paul Schroder has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's long-term economic vision, emphasizing that the Indian leader provides a predictable and stable policy environment crucial for major global investments. Speaking on the sidelines of the India-Australia CEO Forum and Economic Roadmap Business Reception in Melbourne, Schroder announced a fresh financial commitment to bolster India's domestic infrastructure network.
Schroder Highlights Modi's Business Acumen
"I have had the chance to meet with Prime Minister Modi before, and he has always assured me that he understands business and investing. He thinks in the very long term about the prosperity of India and making sure that investors have a stable policy setting. I have been very impressed with the way he engages with business," Schroder said. He also noted the strong relationship between the Australian and Indian people and the importance of continued mutual learning.
AU$500 Million Boost for NIIF
AustralianSuper announced an additional investment of 500 million Australian dollars in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). Schroder stated that this investment will provide AustralianSuper members with proper returns over time while supporting infrastructure projects that benefit Indian communities. The pension giant manages over 410 billion Australian dollars in assets.
PM Modi Welcomes Investment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the investment on social media platform X, stating, "India welcomes the AU$500 million investment from AustralianSuper, announced by their Chief Executive, Mr. Paul Schroder, this morning in Melbourne. This is yet another glimpse of the global confidence in India's growth and reform trajectory. It also reflects the immense opportunities that our dynamic economy offers global investors."
Modi Pitches India as Safe Investment Destination
During his address at the CEO Forum, PM Modi positioned India as a secure and dependable long-term investment destination, highlighting the expanding economic synergy between the two democracies. He noted that Australian pension funds manage assets exceeding four trillion dollars and that India offers opportunities for safe, stable, and sustainable growth. "Our endeavour will be to ensure that both your trust and your capital grow," Modi stated, adding that the shared goal should be to transform student mobility into talent partnerships.
Transaction Details and Portfolio Growth
The additional 500 million Australian dollars (approximately 346 million US dollars) will be channeled into NIIF, India's flagship infrastructure fund established in 2015. This fresh capital builds upon a 240 million Australian dollar commitment made seven years ago, bringing AustralianSuper's total investment portfolio in India to 3.3 billion Australian dollars across infrastructure, listed equities, and private markets. AustralianSuper noted that its initial NIIF investment has emerged as one of the fund's best-performing infrastructure assets globally, reinforcing PM Modi's narrative of safe, stable, and sustainable returns.
