Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs are emerging as a key pillar of India’s long-term economic transformation, as policymakers, regulators and industry leaders gathered at the 3rd Edition of the CII Alternative Investment Funds National
Summit , organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The CII Summit highlighted the expanding role of AIFs in mobilising long-term risk capital for MSMEs, startups, infrastructure and sustainable growth sectors, while reinforcing the importance of strong governance, regulatory discipline and investor trust.
Dr Ruchi Chojer, Executive Director, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), said that as India progresses towards becoming a high-income economy by 2047, AIFs occupy a critical position between two national priorities—channelising long-term capital and managing the growing wealth of Indian investors. By linking sophisticated capital with innovation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and the social sector, and by maintaining high standards of trust and governance, AIFs can emerge as a defining force in India’s investment-led growth journey.
U K Sinha, Former Chairman, SEBI, underscored that financial institutions which remain focused on a clear purpose build credibility and earn lasting societal trust. He noted that across economies and over time, institutions grounded in trust continue to receive long-term support and play a stabilising role in economic development.
Sandeep Pradhan, Whole Time Member, SEBI, said that AIFs have moved beyond being alternative financial products to becoming significant contributors to long-term growth, innovation and global confidence in India. Supported by a robust regulatory framework, rising investor confidence and sustained inflows, AIFs are increasingly shaping the country’s economic trajectory.
Highlighting the responsibility that accompanies this growth, Sundeep Sikka, Chairman, CII Western Region Taskforce on Banking & Finance and Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, & Chairman AMFI said that deploying patient capital with discipline and purpose can strengthen MSMEs, startups and job creators, while translating domestic and global capital into sustainable national growth.
Rishi Kumar Bagla, Chairman, CII Western Region, stated that India’s aspiration to become the world’s largest economy cannot be achieved without a strong SME sector, adding that AIFs have firmly established themselves as an important asset class for both domestic and global investors seeking diversification beyond traditional equities.
The Summit reaffirmed that AIFs, anchored in trust, purpose and a long-term vision, will play a decisive role in shaping India’s next phase of growth and its journey towards becoming a high-income economy by 2047.
