Mon Sep 08 13:55:49 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**UK-India Infrastructure Initiative Reboots with Focus on De-Risking Investments**

**London – September 8, 2025** – The UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) marked its first anniversary today with the release of a report outlining key recommendations to boost infrastructure investment in India. While initial projects identified last year have been replaced, the initiative is now shifting its focus to de-risking investment opportunities to attract the $2 trillion needed by 2030 to meet India’s infrastructure demands.

The report, launched in the City of London, emphasizes the need for India to become more competitive in the global investment landscape. Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, hailed the report as a “compelling case for change,” highlighting the need to make Indian infrastructure projects more investable. The Corporation represents the U.K. lead for the UKIIFB, while NITI Aayog serves as the India lead.

Key recommendations include aligning Indian procurement processes with internationally recognized standards like the UK’s Five Case Model, adhering to global ESG standards, addressing operational risks, and combating perceptions of unpredictability in construction. The report also pointed to a lack of mid-sized firms in the Indian construction sector, stifling competition and innovation.

B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, acknowledged the report’s findings, particularly the scarcity of mid-sized companies in India. He noted that this issue is a significant problem for the Indian economy. While acknowledging challenges in revenue protection and repatriation, Mr. Subrahmanyam believes capital will find its way to India if the opportunities are present, even leveraging existing tax treaties with other countries. However, the report urges tax policies to be addressed, to make them more inviting, specifically for foreign funds.

The second year of the UKIIFB will also prioritize renewable energy projects. While a bilateral investment treaty between the UK and India is under negotiation, participants expressed optimism that changes to India’s investment climate will facilitate increased foreign investment. India’s High Commissioner to the U.K. was present at the event, further signifying the importance of the collaboration.

Read More