ADB Appoints Mio Oka as New India Country Director

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Mio Oka as its new Country Director for India. She succeeds Takeo Konishi, who has been promoted to the position of ADB Director General for South Asia at the Manila headquarters.

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Oka's Role and Responsibilities

As Country Director, Oka will oversee ADB operations in India and foster relationships with the government and other development partners. She will lead the implementation of ADB's country partnership strategy for 2023-2027, which aims to catalyze robust, climate-resilient, and inclusive private sector-led growth in India.

This strategy will be achieved through accelerated structural transformation and job creation, promotion of climate-resilient green growth, and enhanced social and economic inclusiveness.

ADB's Partnership with India

Since 1986, ADB has been a steadfast partner in supporting India's development goals and economic growth. The bank remains committed to bolstering India's inclusive and green growth momentum through strategic investments in infrastructure, human development, and climate risk vulnerability reduction, while also promoting private sector development.

Oka's Professional Experience

A Japanese national, Oka brings nearly three decades of professional experience to her new role, including over 18 years with ADB. She has served in various capacities at the bank, starting as a project specialist in the Mekong Department in 2005.

Oka has held managerial positions as a director in the agriculture and natural resources sector, covering the South Asia region and Emerging Areas team for more than seven years. Prior to joining ADB, she worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and Japan International Cooperation Agency Bangladesh Office.

India's Relationship with ADB

India is currently ADB's fourth largest shareholder and one of its largest borrowers since 2010. In 2023, ADB committed $2.59 billion in sovereign lending to India, along with $16.31 million in technical assistance and $5.25 million in grants under the sovereign portfolio.

The current India sovereign portfolio comprises 73 projects worth a total of $15.7 billion.

ADB's Mission and Membership

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, ADB is owned by 68 members, 49 of which are from the Asia-Pacific region.