At the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Asheville, the Finance Minister held talks with key global partners on infrastructure, investment, technology, trade and private capital.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pushed for deeper trade, investment and financial cooperation with key global partners during a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting in Asheville.

The discussions focused on expanding infrastructure and green investments, mobilising private capital and strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies and financial systems. 

World Bank partnership gets sharper focus

During her meeting with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, Sitharaman appreciated the World Bank's continued engagement with India and the speedy processing of $1.5 billion in Development Policy Financing.

The two sides discussed giving a larger role to the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) in India. The focus included using guarantees to deepen corporate, infrastructure and municipal bond markets and attract greater private capital. 

The discussions also covered a sector-based approach to credit enhancement for infrastructure. Banga, according to the Ministry of Finance, noted the transformation in India's infrastructure and the scope for greater use of World Bank Group instruments, including MIGA's political risk insurance for Indian companies investing overseas. 

Sitharaman also highlighted India's engagement with the World Bank Group on establishing a Global Digital Public Infrastructure Knowledge Hub in India, with potential applications in areas such as agriculture.

The two sides further discussed developing globally competitive tourism destinations under the new India-World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework. The broader objective is to move the relationship beyond a traditional lender-borrower model towards greater cooperation in knowledge, innovation and private capital mobilisation. 

India-EU economic partnership also on agenda

Sitharaman separately met European Commission Commissioner for Economy and Financial Affairs Valdis Dombrovskis.

The discussions covered the India-EU Economic and Financial Partnership, including the macroeconomic dialogue and Trade and Technology Council. The two sides also discussed ongoing negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and Investment Protection Agreement. 

Resilient and diversified supply chains were another focus, particularly cooperation on critical raw materials and technologies. Sitharaman stressed that India should focus not only on sourcing critical minerals but also on developing domestic processing and value-addition capabilities. 

The talks also explored cooperation in FinTech, artificial intelligence and generative AI, including stronger engagement between Indian and European start-ups.

Talks with other major economies

Sitharaman also held discussions with finance ministers and senior economic officials from Poland, Qatar, Russia and South Korea.

With Poland, the discussions covered trade, services, defence, energy security and emerging technologies. Qatar's Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari discussed trade, investment, energy, infrastructure and logistics with Sitharaman and invited her to the 11th Annual Meeting of the AIIB Board of Governors in Doha.

Her meeting with Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov covered bilateral and global economic developments, including cooperation through the New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. With South Korean Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol, the focus included financial cooperation, critical minerals, resilient supply chains and investment. 

Sitharaman's engagements come as India seeks to broaden economic partnerships and attract more private investment into infrastructure, technology and other growth sectors.

She is in the US as part of her official visit to Canada and the US from August 25 to September 2, and is leading India's delegation at the G20 FMCBG meeting under the US G20 presidency. 

SEBI Greenlights NHAI's Highway InvIT: Earn Higher Returns Than Bank FDs by Investing in National Highways

In a landmark move for retail investors, market regulator SEBI has approved the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) ‘Highway Infrastructure Investment Trust’ (InvIT). This innovative scheme throws open the doors for everyday Indians to invest directly in the country’s national highway projects and share in the revenue generated from toll collections, potentially earning returns higher than traditional bank fixed deposits.

Gone are the days when such infrastructure projects were only accessible to large institutional or foreign investors. The primary goal of this NHAI InvIT is to democratize infrastructure investment, allowing retail investors to participate in the nation’s growth story while building a portfolio that offers regular income.

Why This Government-Backed InvIT is a Game-Changer

This isn't just another financial product. For the common investor, it presents a unique blend of security and potential yield.

Regular Passive Income: A significant portion of the toll collection earnings will be distributed to investors as dividends. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking steady cash flow, with analysts suggesting returns could outpace most bank FDs.

Built on Government Trust: As an NHAI-sponsored initiative, the InvIT carries the credibility and structural security of a major government body.

Long-Term Wealth Creation: It’s designed as a long-term investment instrument, allowing investors to benefit from India’s expanding highway network over time.

How the NHAI InvIT Works: Your Share of the Toll

Think of it as earning rental income from roads. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1.  You invest by buying units of the listed Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT), similar to buying shares.

2.  The InvIT uses this pooled capital to acquire or manage operational national highways from NHAI.

3.  Revenue is generated from the toll tax collected from vehicles using these roads.

4.  After managing operational costs, a large share of the profit is distributed to unit holders (investors) as dividends.

Your Investment is in Expert Hands

To ensure robust management and security, NHAI has appointed ‘Rajmarg Infra Investment Managers Private Limited’ (RIIMPL) as the investment manager. This company is backed by a consortium of ten of India’s largest and most trusted financial institutions, including State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank. This consortium oversight means investor funds are under expert supervision.

How Can You Invest in the Highway InvIT?

The process is straightforward and familiar to anyone who invests in the stock market:

You will need an active Demat account.

Once the InvIT launches its Initial Public Offering (IPO), you can apply through your brokerage platform (like Zerodha, Groww, or Angel One).

After its stock exchange listing, you can also buy and sell InvIT units on the secondary market, just like equities.

The Bottom Line: Infrastructure Meets Your Portfolio

The SEBI approval of the NHAI InvIT marks a significant shift in how public infrastructure is financed and who can benefit from it. It aligns perfectly with current trends of retail investment participation and seeking alternative, income-generating assets beyond traditional options.

For investors, it’s a chance to contribute to nation-building while aiming for a financially rewarding journey on the very roads that connect India. As with any investment, reading the offer document carefully and assessing your risk profile is advised, but this initiative undoubtedly paves a new road for retail wealth creation.