Mio Oka Takes Charge as ADBs New Country Director for India

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. Oka will assume responsibility for steering ADB operations in India and fostering relationships with the government and other development partners in the country.

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Leading ADB's Country Partnership Strategy

Oka will lead the implementation of ADB's country partnership strategy for India, which aims to catalyze robust, climate-resilient, and inclusive private sector-led growth in the country. This strategy will focus on accelerating structural transformation and job creation, promoting climate-resilient green growth, and enhancing social and economic inclusiveness.

ADB's Long-Standing Partnership with India

Since commencing its operations in India in 1986, ADB has been a steadfast partner in supporting the country's development goals and economic growth. Oka expressed her commitment to bolstering India's inclusive and green growth momentum through strategic investments in critical areas such as infrastructure, human development, and climate risk vulnerability, while also promoting private sector development.

Oka's Extensive Professional Experience

A Japanese national, Oka brings nearly three decades of professional experience to her role, including over 18 years with ADB. She has held various positions within the organization since joining as a project specialist in the Mekong Department in 2005. Prior to her current appointment, Oka served as an advisor to the president for approximately six years and held a managerial role as a director in the agriculture and natural resources sector, covering the South Asia region and Emerging Areas team for more than seven years.

India's Role in ADB

India is currently ADB's fourth largest shareholder and has been one of its largest borrowers since 2010. In 2023, ADB committed USD 2.59 billion in sovereign lending to India, along with USD 16.31 million in technical assistance and USD 5.25 million in grants under the sovereign portfolio. The current India sovereign portfolio comprises 73 projects worth a total of USD 15.7 billion.

ADB's Mission and Membership

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