Today Kiva expanded its service to borrowers in India. India is the second most populous country and the largest democracy in Asia. India is an emerging economy (part of the aspiring fast growing so-called BRICS countries), but growth has slowed over the past years.

India is still country with large differences. Kiva states that ‘With more than 32% of India’s population falling below the international poverty line and 68% living on less than US$2 a day, the country is in dire need of responsible, affordable sources of capital. But India has a complex history with microfinance, leaving many financial institutions unable or unwilling to serve poor and socially-excluded borrowers. Recognizing this need and opportunity, Kiva wanted to give the global lending community a simple, ethical channel to support India’s most geographically-isolated, underserved and vulnerable groups. These groups include widows, the disabled, leprosy-affected families and many more who have had virtually no chance at making a sustainable living for themselves before now.‘

To start its p2p microfinance for India Kiva has partnered with 3 MFIs: People’s Forum, Mahashakti Foundation, and WSDS.

To comply with regulation in India loans will have a minimum term of 3 years and there will be no repayments to the lender during the 3 years. More details on Kiva’s country page.