Investments in REITs and InvITs could drive India's infra build-up

Let's aim to unlock $1 trillion in global funds that can go into these trusts in support of our long-horizon development goals

- AMITABH KANT

Our ambition is clear. By 2047, when India marks 100 years of independence, it must be a developed nation: A Viksit Bharat. This means moving from a $4 trillion economy to $30 trillion. To achieve this, per capita income must grow eight times, GDP nine times and manufacturing 16 times. None of this is possible without a modern physical ecosystem that delivers fast logistics, efficient energy, reliable transport and sustainable urbanization. All of these depend on large-scale capital investment in infrastructure, making its creation the fulcrum of India's long-term economic transformation.

The next phase of growth will depend on how effectively we mobilize long-term capital and leverage innovative financing instruments. Among these, REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) stand out as models that channel investment into income-generating assets. InvITs focus on infrastructure such as roads and power networks, while REITs focus on commercial real estate—helping unlock capital, support new development and broaden investor participation.

The vision of Viksit Bharat requires a financing architecture capable of supporting large-scale infrastructure for logistics, power, transport, digital connectivity and urban utilities. REITs and InvITs provide a structured and scalable pathway to mobilize this capital. Globally, REITs and InvITs form a $3 trillion market led by the US, Germany, and Japan. India has the scale to lead this market. It is already among the world's leading infrastructure investment destinations, but must be bolder and more ambitious.