On June 1, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant meeting with Mr. Masato Kanda, the newly appointed President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The meeting, held in New Delhi, focused on India’s decade-long transformation journey and the evolving strategic partnership between India and the ADB in fostering inclusive, sustainable development.
India’s Rapid Development in Focus
In the past ten years, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies, marked by:
- Digital transformation across public services
- Infrastructure-led growth under PM Gati Shakti
- Financial inclusion through Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity
- Renewable energy leadership
- Poverty reduction and rural upliftment
During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi emphasized how this development journey has empowered millions, especially those in marginalized communities. The Prime Minister noted, “We are working to add further momentum in this journey,” highlighting a continued commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.
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ADB’s Role in India’s Growth Story
The Asian Development Bank, headquartered in Manila, has been a long-standing partner in India’s development, especially in sectors like:
- Transport and logistics infrastructure
- Urban development
- Power and energy efficiency
- Climate resilience and disaster management
- Health and education
The ADB currently supports projects worth billions of dollars across multiple Indian states, contributing not just capital but also technical expertise and global best practices.
PM’s Statement on Social Media
Prime Minister Modi shared his thoughts on the meeting through his official handle on X (formerly Twitter):
“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!”
— @narendramodi
The tweet was widely circulated and acknowledged by Mr. Kanda himself, strengthening the India–ADB relationship in public diplomacy.
About Masato Kanda
Mr. Masato Kanda, a Japanese national and career diplomat, assumed office as ADB President in early 2025. Known for his experience in global financial governance, Mr. Kanda’s visit to India marks an important moment in ADB’s strategic engagement with one of its largest member countries.
His leadership is expected to enhance ADB’s focus on climate finance, regional cooperation, and private sector engagement, aligning well with India’s national priorities.
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Looking Ahead: India and ADB Cooperation
With India targeting a $5 trillion economy and net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, the cooperation with ADB is likely to focus on:
- Green and resilient infrastructure
- Smart urban mobility systems
- Affordable housing and water supply
- Support for MSMEs and digital entrepreneurship
- Renewable energy and climate adaptation
Both leaders acknowledged the importance of knowledge exchange, innovation, and institutional capacity building to ensure effective project implementation and measurable impact.
Conclusion
The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ADB President Masato Kanda reaffirms India’s deepening engagement with global financial institutions in shaping its development path. As India moves forward with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, partners like the ADB will continue to play a vital role in transforming aspirations into actionable outcomes. This interaction signals continued collaboration in the spirit of shared prosperity, sustainability, and innovation.