Bajaj Auto announced that its board of directors has approved an investment of up to €150 million in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV (BAIH BV), Netherlands. The infusion is intended to fund BAIH BV’s investment opportunities, with capital being provided in the form of equity capital, preference capital, or loans (convertible or otherwise), depending on future requirements. According to a regulatory filing, the investment will be disbursed in one or more tranches as required, up until 31st March 2026. The necessary approvals for this foreign investment have already been secured from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). BAIH BV serves as Bajaj Auto’s global investment arm, playing a crucial role in the company’s international expansion and partnerships. While Bajaj Auto has not specified the exact nature of the investment opportunities, this announcement follows growing speculation regarding the company’s potential increased stake in KTM AG, the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, which has been facing financial difficulties and is undergoing judicial restructuring. Bajaj Auto, through BAIH BV, currently owns a 49.9% stake in its Austrian associate firm, Pierer Bajaj AG (PBAG), while the remaining controlling stake is held by Pierer Industrie AG. PBAG, in turn, holds nearly 75% ownership in its subsidiary, Pierer Mobility AG (PMAG), which serves as the holding company for KTM AG. Bajaj Auto and KTM have a long-standing strategic partnership, with Bajaj developing and manufacturing sub-400cc KTM models in India, both for the domestic market and for exports. While Bajaj manages Indian operations, KTM AG oversees exports to Europe, the US, and other international markets. The restructuring of Pierer Mobility AG has not impacted the Indian market or co-developed products, but it has affected KTM’s export business from Austria, India, and China to key regions like Europe and the US. The additional capital infusion is expected to help BAIH BV explore new investment avenues, possibly strengthening Bajaj’s stake in KTM AG and enhancing its global footprint in the premium motorcycle segment. This move underscores Bajaj Auto’s commitment to international expansion and strategic investments in high-value brands. The investment could potentially aid KTM’s financial recovery, strengthening its market position while also benefiting Bajaj Auto’s own global two-wheeler ambitions. For the Indian automotive sector, Bajaj Auto’s increasing involvement in European motorcycle brands highlights the growing influence of Indian manufacturers in the global premium two-wheeler market. Moreover, this investment aligns with India’s growing outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) trend, where domestic companies are actively seeking high-growth opportunities abroad. As Bajaj Auto continues to expand its international presence, its investments in global brands like KTM AG will be crucial in shaping its future growth strategy, reinforcing its status as a leading player in the two-wheeler industry.