AustralianSuper Commits A$500M to India, Praises Modi’s Long-Term Vision

AustralianSuper’s CEO Paul Schroder lauds the Indian Prime Minister's stable policy environment as the pension giant announces a fresh AU$500 million investment.

MELBOURNE — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-term economic strategy has drawn high praise from Paul Schroder, Chief Executive Officer of AustralianSuper, Australia’s largest pension fund. Speaking on the sidelines of the India-Australia CEO Forum in Melbourne on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Schroder highlighted the Prime Minister’s consistent focus on business-friendly policy settings, which he described as essential for major global institutional investments.

The endorsement came as AustralianSuper announced a fresh capital injection of AU$500 million into India’s [National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)](https://www.niifindia.in/). This commitment deepens the pension fund's engagement with India, bringing its total investment exposure in the country to approximately AU$3.3 billion across infrastructure, listed equities, and private markets.

A "Sacred Trust" in Long-Term Partnership

Prime Minister Modi, who attended the CEO Forum during his diplomatic visit to Australia, pitched India as a secure and dependable destination for global pension capital. Addressing industry leaders, he noted that India views pension savings as a "sacred trust" and invited institutional investors to participate in the nation’s growth trajectory.

"I have had the chance to meet with PM Modi before, and he has always assured me that he understands business and investing," said Schroder. "He thinks in the very long term about the prosperity of India and making sure that investors have a stable policy setting. I have been very impressed with the way he engages with business."

The NIIF, established in 2015 to anchor global capital into India’s infrastructure development, has served as a central pillar for this partnership. AustralianSuper officials noted that their initial 2019 commitment of AU$240 million to the NIIF has emerged as one of the fund's best-performing infrastructure assets globally, serving as a primary driver for the decision to reinvest.

Strategic Economic Synergy

The fresh capital infusion is expected to provide stable, sustainable returns for AustralianSuper’s 3.6 million members. Shaun Manuell, Chief Investment Officer at AustralianSuper, pointed to India's robust economic expansion and an increasingly streamlined institutional environment as key factors behind the decision to increase their holdings.

"Our experience with NIIF demonstrates what can be achieved when long-term capital is combined with visionary policy, trusted institutions, and strong partnerships," Manuell stated.

The announcement was widely welcomed by the Indian government. Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi remarked that the investment is "yet another glimpse of the global confidence in India's growth and reform trajectory" and reflects the "immense opportunities" available to dynamic international investors.

Impact on Future Infrastructure

For India, the continued interest from global pension giants like AustralianSuper is crucial for financing large-scale domestic infrastructure projects. By integrating institutional capital into core sectors, the government aims to boost productivity and logistics efficiency, creating a self-sustaining cycle of economic growth.

The Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit, which featured this announcement, underscored the deepening defense and economic ties between the two nations, setting the stage for further collaborative efforts in student mobility, skill development, and cross-border trade.

Key Facts at a Glance

• New Commitment: AustralianSuper is investing an additional AU$500 million into India’s NIIF.

• Total Exposure: The pension giant’s total investment portfolio in India now stands at AU$3.3 billion.

• Performance: The fund’s initial 2019 investment in NIIF was identified as one of its top-performing global infrastructure assets.

• Strategic Focus: The investment targets infrastructure, listed equities, and private markets to drive long-term returns for members.

• Leadership: The announcement coincides with the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit in Melbourne.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is AustralianSuper increasing its investment in India?

The fund cited India’s strong economic growth, an expanding middle class, and the government's stable policy environment as primary reasons for their decision.

2. What is the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)?

The NIIF is India’s flagship infrastructure-focused investment vehicle, established in 2015 to attract long-term global institutional capital into domestic development projects.

3. What does "long-term policy setting" mean in this context?

It refers to the Indian government’s efforts to maintain predictable, consistent regulations that allow institutional investors to deploy capital with confidence over several years or decades.

4. How many members does AustralianSuper serve?

AustralianSuper manages retirement savings for over 3.6 million members across Australia.

Source: AustralianSuper Newsroom, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), Prime Minister’s Office (India)