Don't invest in India as long as they are profiting from the war in Ukraine#104

Trine should not invest in India since the country profits from the war in Ukraine by buying oil at a discount from Russia (because of sanctions), then refining it and selling refined products to Europe while making a large profit.

India also remains “neutral” in the Russian war against Ukraine, thereby passively accepts Russias crimes against humanity including murder, rape and terror.

Hi Peter, For a better future of humanity, we think it is crucial to detach politics from our impact on the environment. While governments come and go, it is the people who bear the brunt of environmental consequences, who should be the centre of our attention.

Our focus should centre on achieving positive outcomes for the environment, society, health, and particularly underdeveloped markets, not just India but worldwide.

Investments in India hold tremendous potential to create a profound environmental impact, primarily by facilitating the shift from coal to renewable energy sources. India faces a daunting challenge in pollution, as evidenced by the alarming statistic that 15 out of the top 20 most polluted cities worldwide are located within its borders. Shockingly, this pollution contributes to over 1.6 million deaths annually, resulting from pollution-related complications. The dire situation becomes evident during Delhi’s winter months when the city is enveloped in smog, obscuring visibility to just a metre away.

Each investment made in India resonates on a vast scale, owing to its population of 1.4 billion, particularly benefitting the most marginalised strata of society. Such investments not only address environmental challenges but also bring forth positive transformations for disadvantaged communities. For instance, when commercial and industrial sectors adopt solar renewable energy, excess energy from the grid can be redirected to villages, offering them access to reliable power. This newfound energy access empowers local communities, fostering opportunities for business growth, health and education.

India’s current struggles with environmental and societal challenges necessitate significant investments. Overcoming these obstacles requires collective action from investors like yourself, who possess the power to effect radical change. By joining forces and investing in India, we can uplift the nation and make a lasting impact on the lives of millions.

A compelling argument in favour of the environment, but I don’t view Russias actions of rape, murder, torture and terror in Ukraine and the actions of their active and passive bystanders as “politics” to “detach” from.
“Build a better future of humanity” - not on a foundation of death and terror.

I invest in Trine for profit and ethical reasons. Count me out.

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your input. I can see your point and just to be clear, we do not approve of the war in Ukraine in any way.

We do not work with governmental actors but instead directly with private companies.

I understand your viewpoint and these types of questions will be more and more important the more we grow. The greatest impact we can have is when supporting business in our markets providing employment and economic activity in its societies.

In this case the best expression of opinion is of course not to invest. What we want you to consider is that reality in these markets is complex. As long as we are transparent we think people will pick and decide for themselves.

Our standpoint is that if we finance solar energy on companies, schools & hospitals in India, we do contribute to a net impact as we reduce their use of fossil fuels.

Sorry to hear you want out. You are most welcome back to invest in other projects that you feel more comfortable investing in. We have many more investment opportunities in other countries.