The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed agreements for five loans totaling over $2.2 billion to support various development projects across the country. The loans, signed on Monday, December 15, 2025, will support initiatives under India's national flagship programs in skilling and rooftop solar deployment, along with projects supporting healthcare, metro development, and ecotourism promotion across three states.

The projects include:

• Supporting Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) Programme: An $846 million loan will be allocated to this program. This initiative aims to modernize 650 ITIs across 12 states and upgrade five National Skill Training Institutes into centers of excellence for advanced trainer development. The goal is to create a future-ready workforce for India's manufacturing and emerging technology sectors by delivering demand-driven courses in high-growth sectors such as renewable energy, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing, ultimately improving employability for at least 1.3 million youth.
• Accelerating Affordable and Inclusive Rooftop Solar Systems Development Programme: A $650 million loan (Subprogramme 1) will support the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY). This program aims to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across the country and expand access to clean, affordable energy.
• Assam State Tertiary Health Care Augmentation Project (ASTHA): $398.8 million has been allocated to this project.
• Chennai Metro Rail Investment Project: A $240 million loan (Tranche 2) will go towards this project.
• Integrated Ecotourism and Sustainable Agri-based Livelihood Development in Meghalaya Project: $77 million is earmarked for this project.

Shri Saurabh Singh, Deputy Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, signed the loan agreements on behalf of the Government of India. Ms. Aarti Mehra, Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Country Director, India Resident Mission, signed on behalf of the ADB. The Government of India's engagement with ADB for the finalization of the loans was done under the guidance of Shri Baldeo Purushartha, Joint Secretary (ADB & Japan), Department of Economic Affairs.

These loans are expected to significantly contribute to India's ongoing efforts to enhance skills development, promote clean energy, improve healthcare infrastructure, expand urban transportation networks, and foster sustainable livelihoods in rural areas. The ADB has a long-standing partnership with India, providing financial and technical assistance for various development projects across the country. This collaboration aims to support India's economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.