Australia’s largest superannuation fund, AustralianSuper, has announced a further AU$500 million investment commitment to India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), strengthening economic ties between Australia and India.
The announcement was made during the Australia–India CEO Forum in Melbourne, where AustralianSuper Chief Executive Paul Schroder met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The latest commitment builds on AustralianSuper’s initial AU$240 million investment in NIIF in 2019, which the fund said has become one of its strongest-performing infrastructure investments for members.
The new investment will take AustralianSuper’s overall exposure to India across infrastructure, equities and private markets to around AU$3.3 billion.
Schroder said the investment would provide AustralianSuper members with opportunities for long-term returns while supporting infrastructure development that benefits communities in India.
“It will provide a great opportunity for AustralianSuper members to earn a proper return over time and for investments to happen in infrastructure, which will help Indian communities.”
AustralianSuper said its membership includes around 130,000 Indian nationals working in Australia, along with many Australians of Indian heritage, highlighting the strong people-to-people links between the two countries.
AustralianSuper Chief Investment Officer Shaun Manuell said the fund’s successful partnership with NIIF demonstrated the potential of long-term investment supported by strong institutions and policy settings.
“AustralianSuper’s investment in the NIIF has been one of our most successful partnerships and that’s why we’re excited to invest again to help drive returns for members.”
He said India’s economic growth, expanding middle class and improving investment environment were key factors behind the decision.
“India is an attractive place to invest due to its strong economic growth and expanding middle class.”
AustralianSuper currently has about AU$2.8 billion invested in India across infrastructure, equities and private markets.
Welcoming the announcement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the investment would support key areas identified in the Australia–India economic engagement roadmap, including clean energy, education and skills, agribusiness and tourism.
“I welcome the announcement that AustralianSuper will invest an additional $500 million into India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund,” Albanese said.
“This is about building on and broadening out the four key priorities in our roadmap.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s investment potential and invited global businesses to participate in the country’s growth journey.
“India offers unmatched opportunities for growth and innovation. I invited businesses to invest and innovate in India.”
The NIIF was established in 2015 to attract global investment into infrastructure projects in India and has emerged as a key platform for international institutional investors seeking exposure to India’s economic growth.
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