Brookfield Asset Management plans to increase its investment in Indian infrastructure, building on the USD 13 billion already committed, viewing India as the "brightest spot" in emerging markets. Arpit Agrawal, head of Brookfield's infrastructure operations in India, highlighted the firm's focus on digitalisation, decarbonisation, and deglobalisation, which align well with India's growth. Brookfield is exploring new investments in fibre optics, smart meters, and gas pipelines, alongside its existing stakes in telecom towers and data centres. Agrawal also emphasized India's favorable economic conditions, including predictable currency depreciation. Brookfield manages nearly USD 29 billion in Indian assets and sees continued growth opportunities.
Brookfield Asset Management intends to increase its investment in Indian infrastructure, adding to the USD 13 billion it has already committed, and considers India to be the "brightest spot" in emerging markets. Arpit Agrawal, who heads the firm's infrastructure operations in India, expressed confidence that there is no reason they cannot maintain their growth trajectory. He noted that Brookfield's expenditure in this sector has grown considerably over the past eight years, rising from only USD 100 million.
Speaking to Financial Express, Agrawal highlighted that Brookfield's broader infrastructure themes-focusing on digitalisation, decarbonisation, and deglobalisation-are particularly well-suited to India. The firm is set to explore investments in fibre optics, anticipating a surge in demand as more data transitions to the cloud. Brookfield may also form partnerships with semiconductor manufacturers and increase its investment in gas pipelines, Agrawal noted. The firm has already allocated funds to telecom towers, pipelines, and data centres, and is now exploring smart meters, he added.
Brookfield's local team, which includes 15 investment and operations professionals, has expressed confidence in India's growth potential and demographics. Agrawal mentioned that "predictable depreciation" of the rupee simplifies the calculation of returns, making it easier to implement currency hedges. He emphasised that incrementally, the situation is improving and that the firm sees India moving forward with no signs of turning back. Toronto-based Brookfield manages nearly USD 29 billion in assets across infrastructure, real estate, renewable energy, and private equity investments in India. Towers make up between USD 10 billion and USD 11 billion of the infrastructure assets, followed by pipelines at USD 2 billion. The remainder is allocated to data centres currently under construction.
Brookfield Asset Management's strategic focus on expanding its investments in India's infrastructure highlights the country's significant growth potential. With a diverse portfolio that includes telecom towers, gas pipelines, and data centres, the firm is well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Agrawal's insights into the favourable economic conditions and manageable currency fluctuations further reinforce the attractiveness of the Indian market. As Brookfield continues to invest and adapt to evolving trends, it is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping India's infrastructure landscape in the coming years.
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