Vladimir Kazbekov, the Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the New Development Bank (NDB), recently completed a four-day visit to India with the aim of deepening partnership opportunities in various sectors of mutual interest. These sectors include renewable energy, transportation, water and sanitation, and social and digital infrastructure. During his visit, Mr. Kazbekov participated in the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and spoke about resilient supply chains and smart logistics at the PM Gatishakti panel.
Mr. Kazbekov engaged in high-level discussions with key government officials, including Mr. Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat; Mr. Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India; and Mr. Dammu Ravi, Secretary, Economic Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The discussions revolved around NDB’s ongoing projects in India, investment plans for 2024, and resulted in the signing of three loan agreements amounting to nearly US $700 million. These loans are earmarked for the development of rural roads in Gujarat, the rejuvenation of Manipur’s Lamphelpat water body, and the establishment of an integrated sewage system in the capital city of Imphal.
Key Loan Agreements:
- Gujarat Rural Road Program (Loan of USD 500 million): This significant investment will develop 13,500 kilometers of rural roads in Gujarat, benefiting approximately 12.5 million people. The program aims to enhance rural connectivity, providing easier access to markets, healthcare facilities, and educational centers in Gujarat. In addition to road infrastructure construction, the program will prioritize digital transformation, capacity building, technical design, and research, ensuring sustainable and long-term positive outcomes. The Gujarat Rural Road Program aligns with NDB’s General Strategy and supports Sustainable Development Goal 9, which emphasizes resilient infrastructure development, sustainable industrialization, and innovation.
- Integrated Sewerage System in Imphal, Manipur (Loan of USD 115 million): This project aims to enhance sanitation services and improve water quality in the Imphal river by constructing 3 sewerage treatment plants, 21 sewerage pumping stations, and a 297-kilometer network of sewer pipelines. The Integrated Sewerage System for the city of Imphal Project is a key priority for the Government of Manipur as it contributes to sustainable urban development in Imphal. The project aligns with NDB’s mandate to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects, as outlined in its General Strategy. It also supports the Government of India’s initiatives to promote access to sanitation, urban development, and the development of the country’s north-east region. It seeks to contribute to United Nations SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing.
- Lamphelpat Waterbody Rejuvenation Project (Loan of USD 70.27 million): NDB has signed a loan agreement of USD 70.27 million with the Republic of India for the rejuvenation of the Lamphelpat waterbody and its surrounding areas in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. This project aims to prevent urban flooding, improve water security, and promote eco-tourism. The Lamphelpat Waterbody Rejuvenation Project is a key priority for the Government of Manipur, as it plays a vital role in enabling sustainable urban development in Imphal. The project aligns with NDB’s mandate to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects, as outlined in its General Strategy. It also supports the Government of India’s initiatives to promote urban development, water resource management, and the development of the country’s north-east region. The project has multiple benefits, including preventing urban flooding, utilizing the Lamphelpat waterbody as an additional source of drinking water to improve water security, and promoting eco-tourism in the area. Additionally, it contributes to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, specifically in the adaptation component. The project seeks to contribute to United Nations SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation.
About New Development Bank (NDB):
NDB was established in 2015 by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries. In 2021, NDB initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay as its new member countries. The Bank has approved 106 projects globally, amounting to USD 34 billion in financing across sectors such as clean energy, transport, water and sanitation, environmental protection, social, and digital infrastructure. The partnership between India and NDB exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development, fostering economic growth, and improving the lives of millions of people in India through inclusive and green infrastructure.