New Delhi, June 1, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting today with Mr. Masato Kanda, the newly appointed President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in New Delhi. The meeting marks a significant moment in India’s ongoing collaboration with international financial institutions, especially in the context of its development journey over the past decade.
The meeting took place as part of a series of strategic discussions aimed at strengthening India-ADB cooperation, especially in areas like infrastructure, climate change, social development, and sustainable growth.
India’s Decade of Transformation
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared insights on how India has witnessed rapid transformation over the past 10 years, lifting millions out of poverty and driving inclusive development.
The Prime Minister later shared his reflections on the meeting through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He wrote:
“Had a wonderful meeting with Mr. Masato Kanda, in which we shared perspectives on a wide range of issues. India’s rapid transformation over the last decade has empowered countless people and we are working to add further momentum in this journey!”
This highlights India’s commitment to furthering its developmental agenda with the help of international partners like ADB.
Strengthening India-ADB Ties
India has been one of the largest beneficiaries and active members of the Asian Development Bank, which has played a critical role in funding key infrastructure and social projects across the country.
Under ADB’s assistance, India has made significant progress in areas such as:
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Urban development (metro projects, smart cities)
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Transport and logistics
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Clean energy and power transmission
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Water supply and sanitation
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Skill development and livelihood programs
Mr. Kanda’s visit signifies the continuity of strong cooperation between India and the ADB and opens doors for exploring new funding models, climate resilience initiatives, and sustainable development projects.
Global Perspective on India’s Development
President Masato Kanda appreciated India’s achievements and acknowledged the country’s role as a key driver of regional economic growth in Asia and the Pacific. Both leaders agreed on the need for inclusive, technology-driven, and green development to ensure long-term impact.
ADB’s current strategic focus aligns well with India’s priorities in:
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Green infrastructure
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Women-led development
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Digital transformation
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Resilient cities and rural connectivity
The discussions also touched upon India’s G20 Presidency legacy, particularly its emphasis on Global South cooperation and reforming multilateral development banks to become more inclusive and agile.
Path Ahead: Joint Vision for Future Growth
The meeting comes at a time when India is rapidly scaling up its ambitions in areas such as:
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Renewable energy and net-zero goals
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High-speed rail and multimodal logistics
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Digital public infrastructure
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Inclusive financial services and entrepreneurship
ADB is expected to continue playing a crucial role by providing technical expertise, financial assistance, and policy support to India’s national and state-level projects.
The leadership dialogue between PM Modi and Mr. Kanda reflects a shared commitment to development that is people-centric, environmentally responsible, and future-ready.
