European Investment Bank Invests $191 Million in India's Uttarakhand Water Infrastructure

Strategic Insights -

The European Investment Bank's (EIB) development arm, EIB Global, is lending the Indian government $191 million to upgrade water and sewerage systems in the state of Uttarakhand. This operation is the first EIB Global initiative fully dedicated to India's water sector. The project aims to benefit around 900,000 people, including poor households, by improving critical water and sanitation infrastructure in the rapidly growing state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EIB Global loan is worth $191 million and will be used to improve water supply and sanitation systems in Uttarakhand.
  • The project is the first EIB operation fully dedicated to India's water sector, covering water supply and sanitation in the fast-growing state.
  • Around 900,000 people, including poor households, will benefit from the works, which are due to be completed over the next five years.
  • EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer announced the loan agreement, stating that improved clean water supply and sanitation systems will positively impact public health.
  • The EIB's involvement in India's water sector advances the European Union's Global Gateway Investment Agenda, aiming to strengthen key infrastructure worldwide.
  • The EIB Global support will extend to water and sewerage connections in Uttarakhand for poor households, addressing the relatively high care responsibilities for women and girls in such communities.
  • EIB Global is a key partner in the implementation of the European Union's Global Gateway Investment Agenda, supporting sound projects that improve global and regional connectivity.
  • The EIB has supported over 100 projects in India, investing EUR5.6 billion in transport and energy projects, as well as India's small and medium enterprises and mid-caps, since the beginning of its operations in the country in 1993.
  • EIB Global aims to support EUR100 billion of investment by the end of 2027, including through partnerships with fellow development finance institutions and civil society within Team Europe.

Statistics:

  • $191 million: The value of the EIB Global loan to upgrade water and sewerage systems in Uttarakhand.
  • 900,000: The number of people in Uttarakhand who will benefit from the works, which are due to be completed over the next five years.
  • 5 years: The timeline for the completion of the project.
  • EUR8.4 billion: The amount of investments outside the European Union financed by the EIB via EIB Global in 2024.
  • EUR5.6 billion: The total investment by the EIB in India since 1993, supporting over 100 projects.
  • 1993: The year the EIB began its operations in India.
  • 2027: The target year for EIB Global to support EUR100 billion of investment.

Sources:

  • European Investment Bank. (2025). India to upgrade water infrastructure in state of Uttarakhand with USD191 million in financing from EIB Global. Retrieved from https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2025-389-india-to-upgrade-water-infrastructure-in-state-of-uttarakhand-with-usd191-million-in-financing-from-eib-global