NABKISAN Finance Limited Lists India's First WASH-Focused Social Bond

NABKISAN Finance Limited, a subsidiary of NABARD, listed India's first Social Bond focused only on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on the NSE on 1 October 2026. The bond raised ₹180 crore to improve rural and underserved communities' access to safe water and sanitation.

India's First WASH-Focused Social Bond Raises ₹180 Crore

The bond was listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Mumbai, on 1 October 2026. Investors showed strong interest, and the issue was oversubscribed 1.8 times.

• Amount raised: ₹180 crore
• Tenure: Five years, maturing in September 2031
• Coupon rate: 8.10%
• Credit ratings: CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable), the highest domestic ratings

The listing ceremony included speeches by representatives of NABARD, NABKISAN, Water.org, Trust Group and NSE, followed by the ceremonial bell ringing. Water.org supported the issue as Technical Advisor and Knowledge Partner.

Key Objectives of India's First WASH-Focused Social Bond

• Expand access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene in rural and underserved areas
• Improve health, livelihoods and quality of life
• Show that capital market instruments can raise money for development work
• Make development projects bankable so that commercial and capital markets also take part
• Deepen India's sustainable finance market

NABARD Chairman Dr. Shaji Krishnan V said innovative financing can help meet critical development needs. NABKISAN MD and CEO Immanuvel Ganesan said the strong response shows growing investor confidence in sustainable finance.

Key Concepts Involved

Social Bond

A Social Bond is a debt instrument. The money raised is used only for projects that bring social benefits, such as better water, health, or housing. Investors earn interest, while society gains from the funded work.

WASH

WASH stands for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. It covers safe drinking water, toilets and cleanliness practices, which are important for preventing disease and improving daily life, especially in rural areas.

NABARD

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is the apex development bank for agriculture and rural development in India. NABKISAN Finance Limited is its subsidiary.