The World Bank announced USD 4.345 billion in loans to India, including 2.0 billion for the banking sector. The development lender said its executive board approved on Tuesday loans for projects in five countries, with the loans for India by far the largest.The World Bank said it had extended a USD two billion, 30-year loan to support the banking sector, in response to a request from the Indian government to support stimulus measures to counter the global economic crisis.A 28-year loan of USD 1.195 billion was aimed at increasing the availability of long-term financing for the India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited to provide public-private financing of infrastructure projects.A loan of USD 1.0 billion, maturing in nearly 30 years, would support the Fifth Power System Development Project aimed at strengthening India's electricity transmission system.The three loans will be provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the bank's institution that aims to reduce poverty in middle-income and credit-worthy poorer countries by promoting sustainable development.A USD 150 million, 35-year credit was granted by the bank's International Development Association, which helps the poorest country by providing interest-free loans and grants.