UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number: 811-08266
   
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: The India Fund, Inc.
   
Address of principal executive offices: 1900 Market Street, Suite 200
  Philadelphia, PA 19103
   
Name and address of agent for service: Ms. Sharon Ferrari
abrdn Inc.
1900 Market Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19103
   
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 800-522-5465
   
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
   
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1 - Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a) A copy of the report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) is filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

The India Fund, Inc. (IFN)
Semi-Annual Report
June 30, 2023
abrdn.com

 

Managed Distribution Policy  (unaudited)

The Board of Directors of The India Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) has authorized a managed distribution policy (“MDP”) of paying quarterly distributions at an annual rate, set once a year, that is a percentage of the average daily net asset value (“NAV”) for the previous three months as of the month-end prior to declaration.
The Fund’s distributions will be paid in newly issued shares of common stock of the Fund to all shareholders who have not otherwise elected to receive cash. Shareholders may request to be paid their quarterly distributions in cash instead of shares of common stock by providing advance notice to the bank, brokerage or nominee who holds their shares if the shares are in “street name” or by filling out in advance an election card received from Computershare Investor Services if the shares are in registered form.
With each distribution, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders and an accompanying press release which will provide detailed information regarding the amount and composition of the distribution and other information required by the Fund’s MDP exemptive order. The Fund’s Board of Directors may amend or terminate the MDP at any time without prior notice to shareholders; however, at this time, there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination of the MDP. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of distributions or from the terms of the Fund’s MDP.
 
Distribution Disclosure Classification  (unaudited)

The Fund’s policy is to provide investors with a stable distribution rate. Each quarterly distribution will be paid out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.
The Fund is subject to U.S. corporate, tax and securities laws. Under U.S. tax rules, the amount applicable to the Fund and character of distributable income for each fiscal period depends on the actual exchange rates during the entire year between the U.S. Dollar and the currencies in which Fund assets are denominated and on the aggregate gains and losses realized by the Fund during the entire year.
Therefore, the exact amount of distributable income for each fiscal year can only be determined as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, December 31. Under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Fund is required to indicate the sources of certain distributions to shareholders. The estimated distribution composition may vary from quarter to quarter because it may be materially impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and fluctuations in the value of the currencies in which Fund assets are denominated.
Based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Fund estimates the distributions for the fiscal year commenced January 1, 2023 through the distribution declared on August 9, 2023 consisted of 1% short-term capital gains and 99% long-term capital gains.
In January 2024, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders, which will state the final amount and composition of distributions and provide information with respect to their appropriate tax treatment for the 2023 calendar year.
 

 

Letter to Shareholders  (unaudited) 

Dear Shareholder,
We present the Semi-Annual Report, which covers the activities of The India Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation, which the Fund seeks to achieve by investing primarily in the equity securities of Indian companies.
Total Investment Return1
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, the total return to shareholders of the Fund based on the net asset value (“NAV”) and market price of the Fund, respectively, compared to the Fund’s benchmark is as follows:
NAV2,3 8.20%
Market Price2 18.16%
MSCI India Index (Net Daily Total Return)4 5.11%
For more information about Fund performance, please visit the Fund on the web at www.abrdnifn.com. Here, you can view quarterly commentary on the Fund's performance, monthly fact sheets, distribution and performance information, and other Fund literature.
NAV, Market Price and Premium(+)/Discount(-)
The below table represents comparison from current six-month period end to prior fiscal year end of market price to NAV and associated Premium(+) and Discount(-).
   
  NAV Closing
Market
Price
Premium(+)/
Discount(-)
6/30/2023 $16.72 $16.60 -0.72%
12/31/2022 $16.29 $14.81 -9.09%
During the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, the Fund’s NAV was within a range of $15.15 to $16.72 and the Fund’s market price
traded within a range of $14.48 to $16.60. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, the Fund’s shares traded within a range of a premium(+)/discount(-) of 0.03% to -7.00%.
Managed Distribution Policy
The Fund has a managed distribution policy of paying quarterly distributions at an annual rate, set once a year, that is a percentage of the average daily NAV for the previous three months as of the month-end prior to declaration. In February 2023, the Board determined the rolling distribution rate to be 10% for the 12-month period commencing with the distribution payable in March 2023. This policy will be subject to regular review by the Board. The distributions will be made from current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital, which is a nontaxable return of capital.
On August 9, 2023, the Fund announced that it will pay on September 29, 2023, a stock distribution of US $0.41 per share to all shareholders of record as of August 24, 2023. This stock distribution will automatically be paid in newly issued shares of the Fund unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Shares of common stock will be issued at the lower of the NAV per share or the market price per share with a floor for the NAV of not less than 95% of the market price. Fractional shares will generally be settled in cash, except for registered shareholders with book entry accounts at Computershare Investor Services who will have whole and fractional shares added to their account.
Shareholders may request to be paid their quarterly distributions in cash instead of shares of common stock by providing advance notice to the bank, brokerage or nominee who holds their shares if the shares are in “street name” or by filling out in advance an election card received from Computershare Investor Services if the shares are in registered form.
 
{foots1}
1 Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate and shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. NAV return data include investment management fees, custodial charges and administrative fees (such as Director and legal fees) and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
{foots1}
2 Assuming the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
{foots1}
3 The Fund’s total return is based on the reported NAV for each financial reporting period end and may differ from what is reported on the Financial Highlights due to financial statement rounding or adjustments.
{foots1}
4 The MSCI India Index (Net Daily Total Return) is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the Indian market. With 113 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the Indian equity universe. The Index is calculated net of withholding taxes, to which the Fund is generally subject. Indexes are unmanaged and have been provided for comparison purposes only. No fees or expenses are reflected. You cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance is not an indication of the performance of the Fund itself. For more information about Fund performance, please visit http://www.abrdnifn.com.
  1

 

Letter to Shareholders  (unaudited)  (concluded)

The Fund is covered under exemptive relief received by the Fund’s investment manager from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that allows the Fund to distribute long-term capital gains as frequently as monthly in any one taxable year.
Unclaimed Share Accounts
Please be advised that abandoned or unclaimed property laws for certain states require financial organizations to transfer (escheat) unclaimed property (including Fund shares) to the state. Each state has its own definition of unclaimed property, and Fund shares could be considered “unclaimed property” due to account inactivity (e.g., no owner-generated activity for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder  is returned to the Fund’s transfer agent as undeliverable), or a combination of both. If your Fund shares are categorized as unclaimed, your financial advisor or the Fund’s transfer agent will follow the applicable state’s statutory requirements to contact you, but if unsuccessful, laws may require that the shares be escheated to the appropriate state. If this happens, you will have to contact the state to recover your property, which may involve time and expense. For more information on unclaimed property and how to maintain an active account, please contact your financial adviser or the Fund’s transfer agent.
Open Market Repurchase Program
The Fund’s Board approved an open market repurchase and discount management policy (the “Program”). The Program allows the Fund to purchase, in the open market, its outstanding common shares, with the amount and timing of any repurchase determined at the discretion of the Fund’s investment manager. Such purchases may be made opportunistically at certain discounts to net asset value per share in the reasonable judgment of management based on historical discount levels and current market conditions. If shares are repurchased, the Fund reports repurchase activity on the Fund's website on a monthly basis. For the  six-month period ended June 30, 2023, the Fund did not repurchase any shares through the Program.
On a quarterly basis, the Fund’s Board will receive information on any transactions made pursuant to this policy during the prior quarter and management will post the number of shares repurchased on the Fund’s website on a monthly basis. Under the terms of the Program, the Fund is permitted to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding shares of common stock in the open market during any 12 month period.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Fund’s complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year are included in the Fund’s semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These reports are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Fund makes the information available to shareholders upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-800-522-5465.
Proxy Voting
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12 month period ended June 30 is available by August 31 of the relevant year: (1) upon request without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-800-522-5465; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Investor Relations Information
As part of abrdn’s commitment to shareholders, we invite you to visit the Fund on the web at www.abrdnifn.com. There, you can view monthly fact sheets, quarterly commentary, distribution and performance information, and other Fund literature.
Enroll in abrdn’s email services and be among the first to receive the latest closed-end fund news, announcements, videos, and other information. In addition, you can receive electronic versions of important Fund documents, including annual reports, semi-annual reports, prospectuses and proxy statements. Sign up today at https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter/contact-us/preferences
Contact Us:
Visit: https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter
Email: Investor.Relations@abrdn.com; or
Call: 1-800-522-5465 (toll free in the U.S.).
Yours sincerely,
/s/ Alan Goodson
Alan Goodson
President 
 
{foots1}
All amounts are U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated.
2  

 

Total Investment Return  (unaudited) 

The following table summarizes the average annual Fund performance compared to the Fund’s primary benchmark  for the six-month (not annualized), 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year periods ended June 30, 2023.
  6 Months 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Net Asset Value (NAV) 8.20% 12.69% 13.25% 5.08% 9.28%
Market Price 18.16% 21.84% 18.32% 7.62% 10.94%
MSCI India Index (Net Daily Total Return) 5.11% 14.15% 19.33% 8.76% 8.87%
Performance of a $10,000 Investment (as of June 30, 2023)
This graph shows the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund for the period indicated. For comparison, the same investment is shown in the indicated index.
Returns represent past performance. Total investment return at NAV is based on changes in the NAV of Fund shares and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Fund’s transfer agent. All return data at NAV includes fees charged to the Fund, which are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Operations under “Expenses.” Total investment return at market value is based on changes in the market price at which the Fund’s shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Fund’s transfer agent. The Fund’s total investment return is based on the reported NAV during the six-month period ended June 30, 2023. Because the Fund’s shares trade in the stock market based on investor demand, the Fund may trade at a price higher or lower than its NAV. Therefore, returns are calculated based on both market price and NAV. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The performance information provided does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions received from the Fund. The current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the figures shown. The Fund’s yield, return, market price and NAV will fluctuate. Performance information current to the most recent month-end is available at www.abrdnifn.com or by calling 800-522-5465.
The annualized net operating expense ratio based on the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 was 1.47%. 
  3

 

Portfolio Composition  (as a percentage of net assets) (unaudited) 
As of June 30, 2023

The following table summarizes the sector composition of the Fund’s portfolio, in S&P Global Inc.’s Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS”) Sectors. Industry allocation is shown below for any sector representing more than 25% of net assets.
Sectors  
Financials 31.6%
Banks 18.8%
Financial Services 7.6%
Insurance 5.2%
Consumer Staples 13.1%
Industrials 8.3%
Information Technology 8.1%
Consumer Discretionary 8.0%
Materials 7.7%
Health Care 7.4%
Communication Services 6.8%
Utilities 5.3%
Real Estate 3.9%
Energy 2.8%
Short-Term Investment 0.1%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (3.1%)
  100.0%
The following were the Fund’s top ten holdings as of June 30, 2023:
Top Ten Holdings  
ICICI Bank Ltd. 8.3%
Hindustan Unilever Ltd. 6.9%
Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd. 6.8%
UltraTech Cement Ltd. 4.6%
Infosys Ltd. 4.6%
Bharti Airtel Ltd. 4.6%
Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd. 4.1%
SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd. 3.8%
Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. 3.6%
HDFC Bank Ltd. 3.6%
 
4  

 

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) 
As of June 30, 2023

  Shares Value
COMMON STOCKS—103.0%  
INDIA—103.0%
Communication Services—6.8%      
Affle India Ltd.(a)     386,766 $   5,153,737
Bharti Airtel Ltd.   2,135,010  22,934,150
Info Edge India Ltd.     113,200   6,202,494
      34,290,381
Consumer Discretionary—8.0%      
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.     746,136  13,278,762
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.     129,552  15,478,357
Titan Co. Ltd.     299,882  11,192,880
      39,949,999
Consumer Staples—13.1%      
Hindustan Unilever Ltd.   1,054,872  34,461,963
ITC Ltd.   2,708,277  14,930,176
Nestle India Ltd.      37,500  10,491,684
Tata Consumer Products Ltd.     550,000   5,778,152
      65,661,975
Energy—2.8%      
Aegis Logistics Ltd.   3,595,288 14,197,331
Financials—31.6%      
Aptus Value Housing Finance India Ltd.   1,423,402 4,319,913
Axis Bank Ltd.   1,378,855 16,615,001
HDFC Bank Ltd.   866,492 17,975,267
Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd.   990,188 34,143,585
ICICI Bank Ltd.   3,647,684 41,735,472
Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.   799,294 17,992,200
PB Fintech Ltd.(a)   829,965 7,064,925
SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd.(b)   1,182,396 18,907,901
      158,754,264
Health Care—7.4%      
Fortis Healthcare Ltd.(a)   3,288,200 12,667,559
JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.   177,396 5,130,098
Syngene International Ltd.(b)   1,166,661 10,884,551
Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Pvt Ltd.   1,501,100 8,669,549
      37,351,757
Industrials—8.3%      
ABB India Ltd.   171,418 9,250,500
Container Corp. Of India Ltd.   780,015 6,296,370
KEI Industries Ltd.   222,500 6,284,086
Larsen & Toubro Ltd.   498,407 15,067,229
Siemens Ltd.   99,300 4,574,938
      41,473,123
  Shares Value
Information Technology—8.1%      
Infosys Ltd.   1,409,444 $  22,997,260
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.     438,538  17,699,484
      40,696,744
Materials—7.7%      
Asian Paints Ltd.     206,242   8,463,925
Hindalco Industries Ltd.   1,335,673   6,886,969
UltraTech Cement Ltd.     230,871  23,360,095
      38,710,989
Real Estate—3.9%      
Godrej Properties Ltd.(a)     554,915  10,646,502
Prestige Estates Projects Ltd.   1,269,469   8,890,409
      19,536,911
Utilities—5.3%      
Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.   6,634,184  20,588,445
ReNew Energy Global PLC, Class A(a)   1,099,812   6,026,970
      26,615,415
Total India   517,238,889
Total Common Stocks   517,238,889
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—0.1%  
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class, 5.03%(c)   755,365 755,365
Total Short-Term Investment   755,365
Total Investments
(Cost $324,365,656)—103.1%
517,994,254
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets(d)—(3.1%) (15,624,302)
Net Assets—100.0% $502,369,952
    
(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Denotes a security issued under Regulation S or Rule 144A.
(c) Registered investment company advised by State Street Global Advisors. The rate shown is the 7 day yield as of June 30, 2023.
(d) See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements for tax unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of securities.
    
PLC Public Limited Company
 
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
 
  5

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities  (unaudited) 
As of June 30, 2023

Assets  
Investments, at value (cost $323,610,291) $517,238,889
Short-term investments, at value (cost $755,365) 755,365
Foreign currency, at value (cost $793,028) 793,004
Interest and dividends receivable 1,236,465
Prepaid expenses 74,447
Total assets 520,098,170
Liabilities  
Deferred foreign capital gains tax (Note 2g) 16,757,778
Investment management fees payable (Note 3) 435,844
Investor relations fees payable (Note 3) 71,996
Administration fees payable (Note 3) 31,698
Director fees payable 31,504
Other accrued expenses 399,398
Total liabilities 17,728,218
 
Net Assets $502,369,952
Composition of Net Assets  
Capital stock ($0.001 per share) (Note 5) $30,042
Paid-in capital in excess of par 347,907,513
Distributable earnings 154,432,397
Net Assets $502,369,952
Net asset value per share based on 30,042,030 shares issued and outstanding $16.72
 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6  

 

Statement of Operations  (unaudited) 
For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2023

Net Investment Income  
Investment Income:  
Dividends and other income (net of foreign withholding taxes of $721,634) $3,124,876
Total investment income 3,124,876
Expenses:  
Investment management fee (Note 3) 2,575,675
Administration fee (Note 3) 187,322
Custodian’s fees and expenses 141,501
Directors' fees and expenses 134,932
Legal fees and expenses 94,022
Insurance expense 78,775
Investor relations fees and expenses (Note 3) 71,996
Independent auditors’ fees and expenses 50,246
Reports to shareholders and proxy solicitation 49,281
Transfer agent’s fees and expenses 26,860
Miscellaneous 34,443
Net expenses 3,445,053
 
Net Investment Income/(Loss) (320,177)
Net Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss) from Investments and Foreign Currency Related Transactions:  
Net realized gain/(loss) from:  
Investment transactions (including $3,446,297 capital gains tax) 16,530,080
Foreign currency transactions 284,481
  16,814,561
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:  
Investments (including change in deferred capital gains tax of $1,906,664) 21,442,136
Foreign currency translation 26,278
  21,468,414
Net realized and unrealized gain from investments and foreign currencies 38,282,975
Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $37,962,798
 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
  7

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets 

  For the
Six-Month
Period Ended
June 30, 2023
(unaudited)
For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2022
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets:    
Operations:    
Net investment loss $(320,177) $(2,263,585)
Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency transactions 16,814,561 53,391,477
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation 21,468,414 (157,422,315)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations 37,962,798 (106,294,423)
Distributions to Shareholders From:    
Distributable earnings (24,186,212) (88,177,570)
Net decrease in net assets from distributions (24,186,212) (88,177,570)
Issuance of 735,879 and 2,401,576 shares of common stock, respectively due to stock distribution (Note 5) 11,290,849 40,350,297
Change in net assets 25,067,435 (154,121,696)
Net Assets:    
Beginning of period 477,302,517 631,424,213
End of period $502,369,952 $477,302,517
Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0. 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8  

 

Financial Highlights 

  For the
Six-Month
Period Ended
June 30,
For the Fiscal Years Ended December 31,
  2023
(unaudited)
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(a):            
Net asset value, beginning of period $16.29 $23.47 $22.99 $22.60 $23.84 $29.50
Net investment income/(loss) (0.01) (0.08) (0.12) (0.04) 0.03 (0.04)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on
investments and foreign currency transactions
1.27 (3.79) 3.81 2.38 1.06 (1.25)
Total from investment operations 1.26 (3.87) 3.69 2.34 1.09 (1.29)
Distributions to common shareholders from:            
Net investment income (0.82) (1.17) (0.09) (1.10) (0.01) (0.77)
Net realized gains (2.02) (3.12) (2.32) (3.73)
Return of capital (0.85)
Total distributions (0.82) (3.19) (3.21) (1.95) (2.33) (4.50)
Capital Share Transactions:            
Impact due to capital shares issued from stock distribution (Note 5) (0.01) (0.12)
Impact due to open market repurchase policy 0.13
Total capital share transactions (0.01) (0.12) 0.13
Net asset value, end of period $16.72 $16.29 $23.47 $22.99 $22.60 $23.84
Market price, end of period $16.60 $14.81 $21.10 $19.96 $20.13 $20.24
Total Investment Return Based on(b):            
Market price 18.16% (15.32%) 21.89% 11.79% 10.90% (6.00%)
Net asset value 8.20% (16.26%) 17.72% 14.69% 5.70% (1.94%)
Ratio to Average Net Assets/Supplementary Data:            
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $502,370 $477,303 $631,424 $618,431 $607,988 $642,079
Average net assets applicable to common shareholders (000 omitted) $472,186 $539,220 $651,685 $525,841 $623,568 $756,480
Net expenses 1.47%(c) 1.43% 1.35% 1.43% 1.35% 1.32%
Net Investment income (loss) (0.14%)(c) (0.42%) (0.48%) (0.20%) 0.13% (0.13%)
Portfolio turnover 15%(d) 24% 22% 20% 14% 13%
    
(a) Based on average shares outstanding.
(b) Total investment return based on market value is calculated assuming that shares of the Fund’s common stock were purchased at the closing market price as of the beginning of the period, dividends, capital gains and other distributions were reinvested as provided for in the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan and then sold at the closing market price per share on the last day of the period. The computation does not reflect any sales commission investors may incur in purchasing or selling shares of the Fund. The total investment return based on the net asset value is similarly computed except that the Fund’s net asset value is substituted for the closing market value.
(c) Annualized.
(d) Not annualized.
Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0. 
See Notes to Financial Statements.
  9

 

Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited) 
June 30, 2023

1.  Organization
The India Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on December 27, 1993 and commenced operations on February 23, 1994. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a non-diversified closed-end management investment company.
The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation, which it seeks to achieve by investing primarily in the equity securities of Indian companies.
2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States of America. The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. Dollars and the U.S. Dollar is used as both the functional and reporting currency.
a.  Security Valuation:
The Fund values its securities at current market value or fair value, consistent with regulatory requirements. "Fair value" is defined in the Fund's Valuation and Liquidity Procedures as the price that could be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing market participants without a compulsion to transact at the measurement date. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board of Directors (the "Board") designated abrdn Asia Limited (“abrdn Asia” or the “Investment Manager”) as the valuation designee ("Valuation Designee") for the Fund to perform the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments for which market quotations are not readily available.
In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP, the Fund discloses the fair value of its investments using a three-level hierarchy that classifies the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. The hierarchy assigns Level 1, the highest level, measurements to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, Level 2 measurements to valuations based upon other significant observable inputs, including adjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets, and Level 3, the lowest level, measurements to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are
significant to the valuation. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, which are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Open-end mutual funds are valued at the respective net asset value (“NAV”) as reported by such company. The prospectuses for the registered open-end management investment companies in which the Fund invests explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing. Closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) are valued at the market price of the security at the Valuation Time (as defined below). A security using any of these pricing methodologies is determined to be a Level 1 investment.
Equity securities that are traded on an exchange are valued at the last quoted sale price or the official close price on the principal exchange on which the security is traded at the “Valuation Time” subject to application, when appropriate, of the valuation factors described in the paragraph below. Under normal circumstances, the Valuation Time is as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). In the absence of a sale price, the security is valued at the mean of the bid/ask price quoted at the close on the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price.
Foreign equity securities that are traded on foreign exchanges that close prior to the Valuation Time are valued by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. Valuation factors are provided by an independent pricing service provider. These valuation factors are used when pricing the Fund's portfolio holdings to estimate market movements between the time foreign markets close and the time the Fund values such foreign securities. These valuation factors are based on inputs such as depositary receipts, indices, futures, sector indices/ETFs, exchange rates, and local exchange opening and closing prices of each security. When prices with the application of valuation factors are utilized, the value assigned to the foreign securities may not be the same as quoted or published prices of the securities on their primary markets. A security that applies a valuation factor is determined to be a Level 2 investment because the exchange-traded price has been adjusted.
 
10  

 

Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
June 30, 2023

Valuation factors are not utilized if the independent pricing service provider is unable to provide a valuation factor or if the valuation factor falls below a predetermined threshold; in such case, the security is determined to be a Level 1 investment.
Short-term investments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents invested in short-term investment funds which are redeemable daily. The Fund sweeps available cash into the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, which has elected to qualify as a “government money market fund” pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, and has an objective, which is not guaranteed, to maintain a $1.00 per share NAV. Registered investment companies are valued at their NAV as reported by such company. Generally, these investment types are categorized as Level 1 investments.
In the event that a security’s market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the
foreign exchange on which it trades closes before the Valuation Time), the security is valued at fair value as determined by the Valuation Designee, taking into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances using valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. A security that has been fair valued by the  Valuation Designee may be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the nature of the inputs.
The three-level hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:
Level 1 - quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;
Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk); or
Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
 
A summary of standard inputs is listed below:
Security Type Standard Inputs
Foreign equities utilizing a fair value factor Depositary receipts, indices, futures, sector indices/ETFs, exchange rates, and local exchange opening and closing prices of each security.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2023 in valuing the Fund's investments and other financial instruments at fair value. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for a detailed breakout of the security types:
Investments, at Value Level 1 – Quoted
Prices
Level 2 – Other Significant
Observable Inputs
Level 3 – Significant
Unobservable Inputs
Total
Assets    
Investments in Securities      
Common Stocks $6,026,970 $511,211,919 $$517,238,889
Short-Term Investment 755,365 755,365
Total Investments $6,782,335 $511,211,919 $– $517,994,254
Total Assets $6,782,335 $511,211,919 $– $517,994,254
Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, there were no significant changes to the fair valuation methodologies.
b.  Restricted Securities:
Restricted securities are privately-placed securities whose resale is restricted under U.S. securities laws. The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including unregistered securities eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A and privately-placed securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers offered outside the U.S. without registration pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Rule 144A securities may be freely traded among certain qualified institutional investors, such as the Fund, but resale of such securities in the U.S. is permitted only in limited circumstances.
c.  Foreign Currency Translation:
Foreign securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate of said currencies against the U.S. Dollar, as of the Valuation Time, as provided by an independent pricing service approved by the Board.
Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. Dollars on the following basis:
(i) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities – at the current daily rates of exchange at the Valuation Time; and
 
  11

 

Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
June 30, 2023

(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses – at the relevant rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of gains and losses on investments in equity securities due to changes in the foreign exchange rates from the portion due to changes in market prices of equity securities. Accordingly, realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses with respect to such securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment transactions balances.
The Fund reports certain foreign currency related transactions and foreign taxes withheld on security transactions as components of realized gains for financial reporting purposes, whereas such foreign currency related transactions are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Net unrealized currency gains or losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation/depreciation in value of investments, and translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses represent foreign exchange gains and losses from transactions in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts, exchange gains or losses realized between the trade date and settlement date on security transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin, including unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. Dollar. Generally, when the U.S. Dollar rises in value against foreign currency, the Fund’s investments denominated in that foreign currency will lose value because the foreign currency is worth fewer U.S. Dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. Dollar falls in relative value.
d.  Security Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses:
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from security and currency transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends on foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Interest income and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis. Certain distributions received by the Fund could represent a return of capital or capital gain. The Fund determines the components of these distributions subsequent to the ex-dividend date, based upon receipt of tax filings or other correspondence relating
to the underlying investment. These distributions are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain.
e.  Distributions:
The Fund has implemented a managed distribution policy (“MDP”) to pay distributions from net investment income supplemented by net realized foreign exchange gains, net realized capital gains and return of capital distributions, if necessary, on a quarterly basis. The MDP is subject to regular review by the Board.
The Fund records dividends and distributions payable to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date. The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These book basis/tax basis differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification.
Dividends and distributions which exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains for tax purposes are reported as return of capital.
f.  Federal Income Taxes:
The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a “regulated investment company” by complying with the provisions available to certain investment companies, as defined in Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to make distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Since tax authorities can examine previously filed tax returns, the Fund’s U.S. federal and state tax returns for each of the most recent four fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 are subject to such review.
g.  Foreign Withholding Tax:
Dividend and interest income from non-U.S. sources received by the Fund are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes and are recorded on the Statement of Operations. The Fund files for tax reclaims for the refund of such withholdings taxes according to tax treaties. Tax reclaims that are deemed collectible are booked as tax reclaim receivable on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.. In addition, the Fund may be subject to capital gains tax in certain countries in which it invests. The above taxes may be reduced or
 
12  

 

Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
June 30, 2023

eliminated under the terms of applicable U.S. income tax treaties with some of these countries. The Fund accrues such taxes when the related income is earned.
In addition, when the Fund sells securities within certain countries in which it invests, the capital gains realized may be subject to tax. Based on these market requirements and as required under GAAP, the Fund accrues deferred capital gains tax on securities currently held that have unrealized appreciation within these countries. The amount of deferred capital gains tax accrued is reported on the Statement of Operations as part of the Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments.
The Fund calculates Indian capital gains tax for the long-term gains realized after April 1, 2018 at 10%. (See Deferred foreign capital gains tax on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities).
Effective April 1, 2020, dividends from Indian companies are subject to a 20% withholding tax (plus surcharge and tax) (potentially reduced by treaty if applicable).
3.  Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates
a. Investment Manager:
abrdn Asia serves as the Fund’s investment manager with respect to all investments. For its services, abrdn Asia receives fees at an annual rate of: (i) 1.10% for the first $500 million of the Fund’s average weekly Managed Assets; (ii) 0.90% for the next $500 million of the Fund’s average weekly Managed Assets; (iii) 0.85% for the next $500 million of the Fund’s average weekly Managed Assets; and (iv) 0.75% for the Fund’s average weekly Managed Assets in excess of $1.5 billion. Managed Assets is defined in the investment management agreement as net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, abrdn Asia earned a gross management fee of $2,575,675.
b. Fund Administration:
abrdn Inc., an affiliate of abrdn Asia, serves as the Fund’s administrator and receives a fee payable monthly by the Fund at an annual fee rate of 0.08% of the value of the Fund's average monthly net assets. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, the Fund paid a total of $187,322 in administrative fees to abrdn Inc.
c. Investor Relations:
Under the terms of the Investor Relations Services Agreement, abrdn Inc. provides and/or engages third parties to provide investor relations services to the Fund and certain other funds advised by abrdn Asia or its affiliates as part of an Investor Relations Program. Under the Investor Relations Services Agreement, the Fund owes a portion of the fees related to the Investor Relations Program (the “Fund’s Portion”). However, investor relations services fees are limited by abrdn Inc. so
that the Fund will only pay up to an annual rate of 0.05% of the Fund’s average net assets per annum. Any difference between the capped rate of 0.05% of the Fund’s average net assets per annum and the Fund’s Portion is paid for by abrdn Inc..
Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Relations Services Agreement, abrdn Inc. (or third parties engaged by abrdn Inc.) among other things, provides objective and timely information to shareholders based on publicly-available information; provides information efficiently through the use of technology while offering shareholders immediate access to knowledgeable investor relations representatives; develops and maintains effective communications with investment professionals from a wide variety of firms; creates and maintains investor relations communication materials such as fund manager interviews, films and webcasts, publishes white papers, magazine articles and other relevant materials discussing the Fund’s investment results, portfolio positioning and outlook; develops and maintains effective communications with large institutional shareholders; responds to specific shareholder questions; and reports activities and results to the Board and management detailing insight into general shareholder sentiment.
During the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, the Fund incurred investor relations fees of approximately $71,996. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, abrdn Inc. did not contribute to the investor relations fees for the Fund because the Fund’s contribution was below 0.05% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets on an annual basis.
4.  Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, were $73,402,750 and $112,297,455, respectively.
5.  Capital
The authorized capital of the Fund is 100 million shares of $0.001 par value per share of common stock. As of June 30, 2023, there were 30,042,030 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
The following table shows the shares issued by the Fund as a part of a quarterly distribution to shareholders during the six-month period ended June 30, 2023.
Payment Date Shares Issued
March 31, 2023 397,865
June 30, 2023 338,014
6.  Open Market Repurchase Program
The Fund’s Board approved an open market repurchase and discount management policy (the “Program”). The Program allows the Fund to purchase, in the open market, its outstanding common shares, with the amount and timing of any repurchase determined at the discretion
 
  13

 

Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
June 30, 2023

of the Investment Manager. Such purchases may be made opportunistically at certain discounts to NAV per share in the reasonable judgment of management based on historical discount levels and current market conditions.
On a quarterly basis, the Fund’s Board will receive information on any transactions made pursuant to this policy during the prior quarter and management will post the number of shares repurchased on the Fund’s website on a monthly basis.  Under the terms of the Program, the Fund is permitted to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding shares of common stock in the open market during any 12 month period.
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, the Fund did not repurchase any shares through this program.
7.  Portfolio Investment Risks
a.  Equity Securities Risk:
The stock or other security of a company may not perform as well as expected, and may decrease in value, because of factors related to the company (such as poorer than expected earnings or certain management decisions) or to the industry in which the company is engaged (such as a reduction in the demand for products or services in a particular industry). Holders of common stock generally are subject to more risks than holders of preferred stock or debt securities because the right to repayment of common shareholders' claims is subordinated to that of preferred stock and debt securities upon the bankruptcy of the issuer.
b.  Focus Risk:
The Fund may have elements of risk not typically associated with investments in the United States due to focused investments in a limited number of countries or regions subject to foreign securities or currency risks. The Fund focuses its investments in India, which subjects the Fund to more volatility and greater risk of loss than geographically diverse funds. Such focused investments may subject the Fund to additional risks resulting from political or economic conditions in such countries or regions and the possible imposition of adverse governmental laws or currency exchange restrictions could cause the securities and their markets to be less liquid and their prices to be more volatile than those of comparable U.S. securities.
c.  Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for reasons directly related to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services.
d.  Management Risk:
The Fund is subject to the risk that the Investment Manager may make poor security selections. The Investment Manager, and its portfolio managers apply their own investment techniques and risk analyses in
making investment decisions for the Fund and there can be no guarantee that these decisions will achieve the desired results for the Fund. In addition, the Investment Manager may select securities that underperform the relevant market or other funds with similar investment objectives and strategies.
e.  Market Events Risk:
Markets are affected by numerous factors, including interest rates, the outlook for corporate profits, the health of the national and world economies, the fluctuation of other stock markets around the world, and financial, economic and other global market developments and disruptions, such as those arising from war, terrorism, market manipulation, government interventions, defaults and shutdowns, political changes or diplomatic developments, public health emergencies and natural/environmental disasters. Such events can negatively impact the securities markets and cause the Fund to lose value.
Policy and legislative changes in countries around the world are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have previously responded to serious economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes.
The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. In addition, economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries or sectors experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by such events.
For example, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe (whether the EU, Eurozone or UK) or with significant exposure to European, EU, Eurozone or UK issuers or countries, the unavoidable uncertainties and events related to the UK’s departure from the EU (“Brexit”) could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, increase taxes and costs of business and cause volatility in currency exchange rates and interest rates. Brexit could adversely affect the performance of contracts in existence at the date of Brexit and European, UK or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Brexit could also lead to legal uncertainty and politically divergent national laws and regulations as a new relationship between the UK and EU is defined and as the UK determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others that cannot be anticipated, could adversely affect the Fund’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
14  

 

Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (continued)
June 30, 2023

f.  Mid-Cap Securities Risk:
Securities of medium-sized companies tend to be more volatile and less liquid than securities of larger companies.
g.  Non-U.S. Taxation Risk:
Income, proceeds and gains received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries, which will reduce the return on those investments. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes.
If, at the close of its taxable year, more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets consists of securities of foreign corporations, including for this purpose foreign governments, the Fund will be permitted to make an election under the Code that will allow shareholders a deduction or credit for foreign taxes paid by the Fund. In such a case, shareholders will include in gross income from foreign sources their pro rata shares of such taxes. A shareholder’s ability to claim an offsetting foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of such foreign taxes is subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, which may result in the shareholder’s not receiving a full credit or deduction (if any) for the amount of such taxes. Shareholders who do not itemize on their U.S. federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but not a deduction) for such foreign taxes. If the Fund does not qualify for or chooses not to make such an election, shareholders will not be entitled separately to claim a credit or deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to foreign taxes paid by the Fund; in that case the foreign tax will nonetheless reduce the Fund’s taxable income. Even if the Fund elects to pass through to its shareholders foreign tax credits or deductions, tax-exempt shareholders and those who invest in the Fund through tax-advantaged accounts such as IRAs will not benefit from any such tax credit or deduction.
h.  Risks Associated with Indian Markets:
The Indian securities markets are, among other things, substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. Consequently, acquisitions and dispositions of Indian securities involve special risks and considerations not present with respect to U.S. securities.
India has undergone and may continue to undergo rapid change and lack the social, political and economic stability of more developed countries. The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by political, economic, social and religious factors, changes in Indian law or regulations and the status of India’s relations with other countries. In addition, the economy of India may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as the rate of growth of gross domestic product, the rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
The Indian government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy, and the number of public sector enterprises in India is substantial. Accordingly, Indian government actions in the future could have a significant effect on the Indian economy, which could affect private sector companies and the Fund, market conditions, and prices and yields of securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
Economic growth in India is constrained by inadequate infrastructure, a cumbersome bureaucracy, corruption, labor market rigidities, regulatory and foreign investment controls, the “reservation” of key products for small-scale industries and high fiscal deficits. Changes in economic policies, or lack of movement toward economic liberalization, could negatively affect the general business and economic conditions in India, which could in turn affect the Fund’s investments.
There is also the possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political changes, government regulation, social instability or diplomatic developments (including pandemic, war or terrorist attacks). All of these factors could adversely affect the economy of India, make the prices of Indian securities generally more volatile than the prices of securities of companies in developed markets and increase the risk of loss to the Fund.
i.  Sector Risk:
To the extent that the Fund has a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a broadly related group of industries within an economic sector, the Fund may be more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly.
In particular, being invested heavily in the financial sector may make the Fund vulnerable to risks and pressures facing companies in that sector, such as regulatory, consolidation, interest rate changes and general economic conditions.
Financial Sector Risk. To the extent that the financial sector represents a significant portion of the Fund's investments, the Fund will be sensitive to changes in, and its performance may depend to a greater extent on, factors impacting this sector. Performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. The impact of more stringent capital requirements, recent or future regulation of any individual financial company, or recent or future regulation of the financials sector as a whole cannot be predicted. In recent years, cyber attacks and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have caused significant losses.
 
  15

 

Notes to  Financial Statements (unaudited)  (concluded)
June 30, 2023

j.  Small-Cap Securities Risk:
Securities of smaller companies are usually less stable in price and less liquid than those of larger, more established companies. Therefore, they generally involve greater risk.
k.  Valuation Risk:
The price that the Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation methodology or a price provided by an independent pricing service. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by the Fund, and the Fund could realize a greater than
expected loss or lower than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. The Fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.
8.  Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Fund may provide general indemnifications pursuant to certain contracts and organizational documents. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund, and therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of loss from such claims to be remote.
 
9.  Tax Information
The U.S. federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments (including derivatives, if applicable) and the net unrealized appreciation as of June 30, 2023, were as follows:
Tax Cost of
Securities
Unrealized
Appreciation
Unrealized
Depreciation
Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
$358,285,849 $203,741,320 $(44,032,915) $159,708,405
10.  Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no disclosures and/or adjustments were required to the financial statements as of June 30, 2023, other than as noted below.
On August 9, 2023, the Fund announced that it will pay on September 29, 2023, a stock distribution of US $0.41 per share to all shareholders of record as of August 24, 2023.  
 
16  

 

Supplemental Information (Unaudited) 

Results of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on May 25, 2023. The description of each proposal and number of shares voted at the meeting are as follows:
To elect two Class II Directors to the Board of Directors:
Nominee Votes For Votes Against Votes Abstained
Luis F. Rubio 19,209,091 751,368 359,438
Nisha Kumar 19,264,023 706,537 349,337
To approve the continuation of the term for one Director under the Corporate Governance Policies:
Nominee Votes For Votes Against Votes Abstained
Jeswald W. Salacuse 19,178,293 768,369 373,235
  17

 

Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Purchase Plan  (Unaudited) 

The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its net investment income and to distribute any net realized capital gains at least annually. Net investment income for this purpose is income other than net realized long-term and short-term capital gains net of expenses. Pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), shareholders whose shares of common stock are registered in their own names will be deemed to have elected to have all distributions automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company N.A. (the “Plan Agent”) in the Fund shares pursuant to the Plan, unless such shareholders elect to receive distributions in cash. Shareholders who elect to receive distributions in cash will receive such distributions paid by check in U.S. Dollars mailed directly to the shareholder by the Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent. In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees that hold shares for others who are beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the shareholders as representing the total amount registered in such shareholders’ names and held for the account of beneficial owners that have not elected to receive distributions in cash. Investors that own shares registered in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee should consult with such nominee as to participation in the Plan through such nominee and may be required to have their shares registered in their own names in order to participate in the Plan. Please note that the Fund does not issue certificates so all shares will be registered in book entry form. The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Plan. If the Directors of the Fund declare an income dividend or a capital gains distribution payable either in the Fund’s common stock or in cash, nonparticipants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive common stock, to be issued by the Fund or purchased by the Plan Agent in the open market, as provided below. If the market price per share (plus expected per share fees) on the valuation date equals or exceeds NAV per share on that date, the Fund will issue new shares to participants at NAV; provided, however, that if the NAV is less than 95% of the market price on the valuation date, then such shares will be issued at 95% of the market price. The valuation date will be the payable date for such distribution or dividend or, if that date is not a trading day on the NYSE, the immediately preceding trading date. If NAV exceeds the market price of Fund shares at such time, or if the Fund should declare an income dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, buy Fund shares in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts on, or shortly after, the payment date. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the NAV of a Fund share, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the NAV of the Fund’s shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund on the dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing
difficulty with respect to open-market purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent will cease making open-market purchases and will receive the uninvested portion of the dividend amount in newly issued shares at the close of business on the last purchase date.
Participants have the option of making additional cash payments of a minimum of $50 per investment (by check, one-time online bank debit or recurring automatic monthly ACH debit) to the Plan Agent for investment in the Fund’s common stock, with an annual maximum contribution of $250,000. The Plan Agent will wait up to three business days after receipt of a check or electronic funds transfer to ensure it receives good funds. Following confirmation of receipt of good funds, the Plan Agent will use all such funds received from participants to purchase Fund shares in the open market on the 25th day of each month or the next trading day if the 25th is not a trading day.
If the participant sets up recurring automatic monthly ACH debits, funds will be withdrawn from his or her U.S. bank account on the 20th of each month or the next business day if the 20th is not a banking business day and invested on the next investment date. The Plan Agent maintains all shareholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in an account, including information needed by shareholders for personal and tax records. Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent in the name of the participant, and each shareholder’s proxy will include those shares purchased pursuant to the Plan. There will be no brokerage charges with respect to common shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a per share fee of $0.02 incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends, capital gains distributions and voluntary cash payments made by the participant. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Plan Agent is required to pay.
Participants also have the option of selling their shares through the Plan. The Plan supports two types of sales orders. Batch order sales are submitted on each market day and will be grouped with other sale requests to be sold. The price will be the average sale price obtained by Computershare’s broker, net of fees, for each batch order and will be sold generally within 2 business days of the request during regular open market hours. Please note that all written sales requests are always processed by Batch Order. ($10 and $0.12 per share). Market Order sales will sell at the next available trade. The shares are sold real time when they hit the market, however an available trade must be presented to complete this transaction. Market Order sales may only
 
18  

 

Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Purchase Plan  (Unaudited)  (concluded)

be requested by phone at 1-800-647-0584 or using Investor Center through www.computershare.com/buyaberdeen. ($25 and $0.12 per share).
The receipt of dividends and distributions under the Plan will not relieve participants of any income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions. The Fund or the Plan Agent may terminate the Plan as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to notice of the termination sent to members of the Plan at least 30 days prior to the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended by
the Fund or the Plan Agent, but (except when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority) only by mailing a written notice at least 30 days prior to the effective date to the participants in the Plan. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent by phone at 1-800-647-0584, using Investor Center through www.computershare.com/buyaberdeen or in writing to Computershare Trust Company N.A., P.O. Box 43006, Providence, RI 02940-3078. 
 
  19

 

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Corporate Information 

Directors
Jeswald W. Salacuse, Chair
Alan Goodson
Nisha Kumar
Nancy Yao Maasbach
Luis F. Rubio
Hugh Young
Investment Manager
abrdn Asia Limited
7 Straits View
#23-04 Marina One East Tower
Singapore 018936
Administrator
abrdn Inc.
1900 Market Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Congress Street, Suite 1
Boston, MA 02114-2016
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43006
Providence, RI 02940-3078
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP
1601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Legal Counsel
Dechert LLP
1900 K Street N.W.
Washington D.C. 20006
Investor Relations
abrdn Inc.
1900 Market Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-800-522-5465
Investor.Relations@abrdn.com
 
The Financial Statements as of June 30, 2023, included in this report, were not audited and accordingly, no opinion is expressed thereon.
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in the open market.
Shares of The India Fund, Inc. are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “IFN”. Information about the Fund’s net asset value and market price is available at www.abrdnifn.com.
This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the shareholders of The India Fund, Inc. for their general information only. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

IFN-SEMI-ANNUAL

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

Item 2 - Code of Ethics.

 

This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

 

Item 3 - Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

 

Item 4 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

 

Item 5 - Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

 

Item 6 - Investments.

 

(a)Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of close of the reporting period is included as part of the Report to Shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

Item 7 - Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

 

Item 8 - Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

(a)  Not applicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.

 

(b)  There has been no change, as of the date of this filing, in any of the portfolio managers identified in response to paragraph (a)(1)of this Item in the registrant’s most recently filed annual report on Form N-CSR.

 

 

 

 

Item 9 - Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

No such purchases were made by or on behalf of the Registrant during the period covered by the report.

 

Item 10 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

During the period ended June 30, 2023, there were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Directors.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)The Registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a3(b)) and Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d15(b)).

 

(b)There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the Registrant’s last fiscal half-year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)Not applicable.

 

(a)(2)The certifications of the Registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act are exhibits to this Form N-CSR.

 

(a)(3)Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.

 

(a)(4)Change in Registrant’s independent public accountant. Not applicable.

 

(b)The certifications of the Registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act are exhibits to this Form N-CSR.

 

(c)A copy of the Registrant’s notices to stockholders, which accompanied distributions paid, pursuant to the Registrant’s Managed Distribution Policy since the Registrant’s last filed N-CSR, are filed herewith as Exhibits (c)(1) and (c)(2) as required by the terms of the Registrant’s SEC exemptive order.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant)   The India Fund, Inc.  

 

By (Signature and Title): /s/ Alan Goodson  
  Alan Goodson, Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date: September 8, 2023

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title): /s/ Alan Goodson  
  Alan Goodson, Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date: September 8, 2023

 

By (Signature and Title): /s/ Sharon Ferrari  
  Sharon Ferrari, Principal Financial Officer  

 

Date: September 8, 2023

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.CERT

 

Certification Pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

I, Alan Goodson, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of The India Fund, Inc.;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The Registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the Registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s first fiscal half-year covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The Registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: September 8, 2023  
   
/s/ Alan Goodson  
Alan Goodson  
Principal Executive Officer  

 

 

 

 

Certification Pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

I, Sharon Ferrari, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of The India Fund, Inc;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The Registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the Registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s first fiscal half-year covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The Registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: September 8, 2023  
   
/s/ Sharon Ferrari  
Sharon Ferrari  
Principal Financial Officer  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.906CERT

 

Certification Pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

Alan Goodson, Principal Executive Officer, and Sharon Ferrari, Principal Financial Officer, of The India Fund, Inc. (the “Registrant”), each certify that:

 

1.The Registrant’s periodic report on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2023 (the “Form N-CSR”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as applicable; and

 

2.The information contained in the Form N-CSR fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER  
The India Fund, Inc.  
   
/s/ Alan Goodson  
Alan Goodson  
Date: September 8, 2023  
   
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER  
The India Fund, Inc.  
   
/s/ Sharon Ferrari  
Sharon Ferrari  
Date: September 8, 2023  

 

This certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not being filed as part of Form N-CSR or as a separate disclosure document. A signed original of this written statement, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to the Registrant and will be retained by the Registrant and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.(c)(1)

 

 

 

Press Release

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

For More Information Contact:

abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds

Investor Relations

1-800-522-5465

Investor.Relations@abrdn.com

 

ABRDN U.S. CLOSED-END FUNDS

ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS

 

abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund (“ASGI”)

abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (“FAX”)

abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (“IAF”)

The India Fund, Inc. (“IFN”)

abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (“JEQ”)

 

(Philadelphia, March 31, 2023) -The above-noted abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (the “Funds” or individually the “Fund”), today announced that the Funds paid the distributions noted in the table below on March 31, 2023, on a per share basis to all shareholders of record as of March 24, 2023 (ex-dividend date March 23, 2023). These dates apply to the Funds listed below with the exception of the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) which paid the distribution on March 31, 2023 to all shareholders of record as of February 21, 2023 (ex-dividend date February 17, 2023).

 

Ticker  Exchange  Fund  Amount 
ASGI  NYSE  abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund  $0.1200 
FAX  NYSE American  abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.  $0.0275 
IAF  NYSE American  abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc.  $0.1300 
IFN  NYSE  The India Fund, Inc.  $0.4300 
JEQ  NYSE  abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc.  $0.1000 

 

Each Fund has adopted a distribution policy to provide investors with a stable distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.

 

For the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) the stock distributions were automatically paid in newly issued shares of the Fund unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder to be paid in cash. Shares of common stock were issued at the lower of the net asset value (“NAV”) per share or the market price per share with a floor for the NAV of not less than 95% of the market price on March 17, 2023. The reinvestment prices per share for these distributions were as follows: $4.32 for the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF); $14.76 for the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and $5.32 for the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ). Fractional shares were generally settled in cash, except for registered shareholders with book entry accounts at Computershare Investor Services who had whole and fractional shares added to their account.

 

To have received the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) quarterly distributions payable in March 2023 in cash instead of shares of common stock, for shareholders who hold shares in “street name,” the bank, brokerage or nominee who holds the shares must have advised the Depository Trust Company as to the full and fractional shares for which they want the distribution paid in cash by March 16, 2023; and for shares that are held in registered form, written notification for the election of cash by registered shareholders must have been received by Computershare Investor Services prior to March 16, 2023.

 

 

 

 

Under applicable U.S. tax rules, the amount and character of distributable income for each Fund’s fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and related rules, the Funds may be required to indicate to shareholders the estimated source of certain distributions to shareholders.

 

The following tables set forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distributions for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the rules adopted thereunder. The tables have been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The tables include estimated amounts and percentages for the current distributions paid this month as well as for the cumulative distributions paid relating to fiscal year to date, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated compositions of the distributions may vary because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies.

 

Each Fund’s estimated sources of the current distribution paid this month and for its current fiscal year to date are as follows:

 

Estimated Amounts of Current Distribution per Share 
Fund   Distribution
Amount
   Net Investment
Income
   Net Realized Short-
Term Gains**
   Net Realized Long-
Term Gains
   Return of
Capital
 
ASGI   $0.1200   $0.0060  5%  $0.0012  1%  $0.0984  82%  $0.0144  12%
FAX   $0.0275   $0.0151  55%   -  -    -  -   $0.0124  45%
IAF   $0.1300   $0.0351  27%  $0.0026  2%  $0.0130  10%  $0.0793  61%
IFN   $0.4300    -  -    -  -   $0.4300  100%   -  - 
JEQ   $0.1000   $0.0150  15%  $0.0040  4%   -  -   $0.0810  81%

 

Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year* to Date Cumulative Distributions per Share

 

Fund

    Distribution
Amount
  

Net Investment
Income

   Net Realized Short-
Term Gains **
   Net Realized Long-
Term Gains
   Return of
Capital
 
ASGI    $0.7200   $0.0360  5%  $0.0072  1%  $0.5904  82%  $0.0864  12%
FAX    $0.1375   $0.0756  55%   -  -    -  -   $0.0619  45%
IAF    $0.2500   $0.0675  27%  $0.0050  2%  $0.0250  10%  $0.1525  61%
IFN    $0.4300    -  -    -  -   $0.4300  100%   -  - 
JEQ    $0.2000   $0.0300  15%  $0.0080  4%   -  -   $0.1620  81%

 

* ASGI has a 9/30 fiscal year end; FAX, IAF and JEQ have a 10/31 fiscal year end; IFN has a 12/31 fiscal year end.

**includes currency gains

 

Where the estimated amounts above show a portion of the distribution to be a “Return of Capital,” it means that Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in a Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.”

 

 

 

 

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions for the current year will only be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. After the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders for the prior calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

 

The following table provides the Funds’ total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Funds’ annualized and cumulative distribution rates.

 

Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information
Fund   Average
Annual Total
Return on NAV
for the 5 Year
Period Ending
02/28/2023¹
    

 

Current Fiscal
Period’s
Annualized
Distribution
Rate on NAV

    

 

 

Cumulative
Total Return
on NAV¹

    

 

 

Cumulative
Distribution
Rate on NAV²

 
ASGI³   7.77%3   7.03%   12.77%   2.93%
FAX   -1.29%   10.48%   14.99%   3.49%

 

1 Return data is net of all Fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.

2 Based on the Fund’s NAV as of February 28, 2023.

3 The Fund launched within the past 5 years; the performance and distribution rate information presented reflects data from inception (July 29, 2020) through February 28, 2023.

 

Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information
Fund   Average
Annual Total
Return on NAV
for the 5 Year
Period Ending
01/31/2023¹
    

 

Current Fiscal
Period’s
Annualized
Distribution
Rate on NAV

    

 

 

Cumulative
Total Return
on NAV¹

    

 

 

Cumulative
Distribution
Rate on NAV²

 
IAF   6.87%   8.71%   21.22%   2.18%
IFN   2.57%   N/A*   0.61%   N/A*
JEQ   -2.16%   5.99%3   13.01%   1.50%

 

1 Return data is net of all Fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.

2 Based on the Fund’s NAV as of January 31, 2023.

3 The percentage shown does not include the Fund’s annual distribution policy in place in 2021.

 

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about a Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the Fund’s current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the “Distribution Policy”).

 

While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund’s investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder’s investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder’s investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund’s market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund’s shares in the open market.

 

 

 

 

Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Funds may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Funds during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Funds, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received.

 

The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund’s net assets. A decrease in the Fund’s net assets may cause an increase in the Fund’s annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund’s market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund’s net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund’s investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. Each Fund’s Board has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund’s market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances.

 

Circular 230 disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

 

In the United States, abrdn is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Limited, abrdn Australia Limited, abrdn Asia Limited, Aberdeen Capital Management, LLC, abrdn ETFs Advisors LLC and abrdn Alternative Funds Limited.

 

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. A Fund’s investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund’s portfolio. There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter

 

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Exhibit 99.(c)(2)

 

 

 

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

For More Information Contact:

abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds

Investor Relations

1-800-522-5465

Investor.Relations@abrdn.com

 

ABRDN U.S. CLOSED-END FUNDS

ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS

 

abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund (“ASGI”)

abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (“FAX”)

 

(Philadelphia, June 30, 2023) -The above-noted abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (the “Funds” or individually the “Fund”), today announced that the Funds paid the distributions noted in the table below on June 30, 2023, on a per share basis to all shareholders of record as of June 23, 2023 (ex-dividend date June 22, 2023). These dates apply to the Funds listed below with the exception of the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) which paid the distribution on June 30, 2023, to all shareholders of record as of May 19, 2023 (ex-dividend date May 18, 2023).

 

Ticker  Exchange  Fund  Amount 
ASGI  NYSE  abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund  $0.1200 
FAX  NYSE American  abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.  $0.0275 
IAF  NYSE American  abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc.  $0.1300 
IFN  NYSE  The India Fund, Inc.  $0.3900 
JEQ  NYSE  abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc.  $0.1000 

  

Each Fund has adopted a distribution policy to provide investors with a stable distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.

 

For the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) the stock distributions were automatically paid in newly issued shares of the Fund unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder to be paid in cash. Shares of common stock were issued at the lower of the net asset value (“NAV”) per share or the market price per share with a floor for the NAV of not less than 95% of the market price on June 16, 2023. The reinvestment prices per share for these distributions were as follows: $4.44 for the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF); $16.03 for the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and $6.15 for the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ). Fractional shares were generally settled in cash, except for registered shareholders with book entry accounts at Computershare Investor Services who had whole and fractional shares added to their account.

 

To have received the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) quarterly distributions payable in June 2023 in cash instead of shares of common stock, for shareholders who hold shares in “street name,” the bank, brokerage or nominee who holds the shares must have advised the Depository Trust Company as to the full and fractional shares for which they want the distribution paid in cash by June 15, 2023; and for shares that are held in registered form, written notification for the election of cash by registered shareholders must have been received by Computershare Investor Services prior to June 15, 2023.

 

Under applicable U.S. tax rules, the amount and character of distributable income for each Fund’s fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and related rules, the Funds may be required to indicate to shareholders the estimated source of certain distributions to shareholders.

 

 

 

 

The following tables set forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distributions for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the rules adopted thereunder. The tables have been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The tables include estimated amounts and percentages for the current distributions paid this month as well as for the cumulative distributions paid relating to fiscal year to date, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated compositions of the distributions may vary because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies.

 

Each Fund’s estimated sources of the current distribution paid this month and for its current fiscal year to date are as follows:

 

 

Estimated Amounts of Current Distribution per Share  
Fund     Distribution
Amount
    Net Investment
Income
    Net Realized Short-
Term Gains**
    Net Realized Long-
Term Gains
    Return of
Capital
 
ASGI     $ 0.1200     $ 0.0372   31 %   $ 0.0132   11 %   $ 0.0696   58 %   -   -
FAX     $ 0.0275     $ 0.0151   55 %     -   -       -   -     $ 0.0124   45 %
IAF     $ 0.1300     $ 0.0247   19 %   $ 0.0013   1 %   $ 0.0078   6 %   $ 0.0962   74 %
IFN     $ 0.3900       -   -     $ 0.0039   1 %   $ 0.3861   99 %     -   -  
JEQ     $ 0.1000     $ 0.0090   9 %   $ 0.0020   2 %     -   -     $ 0.0890   89 %

 

Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year* to Date Cumulative Distributions per Share

 

Fund

    Distribution
Amount
   

 

Net Investment
Income

    Net Realized Short-
Term Gains **
    Net Realized Long-
Term Gains
    Return of
Capital
 
ASGI     $ 1.0800     $ 0.3348   31 %   $ 0.1188   11 %   $ 0.6264   58 %   -   -
FAX     $ 0.2200     $ 0.1210   55 %     -   -       -   -     $ 0.0990   45 %
IAF     $ 0.3800     $ 0.0722   19 %   $ 0.0038   1 %   $ 0.0228   6 %   $ 0.2812   74 %
IFN     $ 0.8200       -   -     $ 0.0082   1 %   $ 0.8118   99 %     -   -  
JEQ     $ 0.3000     $ 0.0270   9 %   $ 0.0060   2 %     -   -     $ 0.2670   89 %

  

* ASGI has a 9/30 fiscal year end; FAX, IAF and JEQ have a 10/31 fiscal year end; IFN has a 12/31 fiscal year end.

**includes currency gains

 

Where the estimated amounts above show a portion of the distribution to be a “Return of Capital,” it means that Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in a Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.”

 

As of June 22, 2023, after giving effect to this payment, IAF estimates it has a net deficit of $541,000. A net deficit results when the Fund has net unrealized losses that are in excess of any net realized gains that have not yet been distributed.

 

As of June 22, 2023, after giving effect to this payment, JEQ estimates it has a net deficit of $5,391,000.00. A net deficit results when the Fund has net unrealized losses that are in excess of any net realized gains that have not yet been distributed.

 

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions for the current year will only be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. After the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders for the prior calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

 

 

 

 

The following table provides the Funds’ total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Funds’ annualized and cumulative distribution rates.

 

Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information
Fund   Average
Annual Total
Return on NAV
for the 5 Year
Period Ending
05/31/2023¹
    

 

Current Fiscal
Period’s
Annualized
Distribution
Rate on NAV

    

 

 

Cumulative
Total Return
on NAV¹

    

 

 

Cumulative
Distribution
Rate on NAV²

 
ASGI³   7.42%3   7.11%   13.85%   4.74%
FAX   -0.73%   10.68%   16.24%   6.23%

 

1 Return data is net of all Fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.

2 Based on the Fund’s NAV as of May 31, 2023.

3 The Fund launched within the past 5 years; the performance and distribution rate information presented reflects data from inception (July 29, 2020) through May 31, 2023.

 

 

Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information
Fund   Average
Annual Total
Return on NAV
for the 5 Year
Period Ending
04/30/2023¹
    

 

Current Fiscal
Period’s
Annualized
Distribution
Rate on NAV

    

 

 

Cumulative
Total Return
on NAV¹

    

 

 

Cumulative
Distribution
Rate on NAV²

 
IAF   6.76%   10.26%   12.63%   5.03%
IFN   3.36%   10.72%   1.40%   2.68%
JEQ   -1.20%   6.13%   12.55%   3.06%

 

1 Return data is net of all Fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.

2 Based on the Fund’s NAV as of April 30, 2023.

 

Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about a Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the Fund’s current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the “Distribution Policy”).

 

While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund’s investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder’s investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder’s investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund’s market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund’s shares in the open market.

 

Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Funds may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Funds during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Funds, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received.

 

 

 

 

The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund’s net assets. A decrease in the Fund’s net assets may cause an increase in the Fund’s annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund’s market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund’s net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund’s investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. Each Fund’s Board has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund’s market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances.

 

Circular 230 disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

 

In the United States, abrdn is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Limited, abrdn Australia Limited, abrdn Asia Limited, Aberdeen Capital Management, LLC, abrdn ETFs Advisors LLC and abrdn Alternative Funds Limited.

 

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. A Fund’s investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund’s portfolio. There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter

 

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