Moody's Investors Service will time the entry of its mutual fund rating service in India with a collaboration with CNBC India on the Mutual Fund of the Year Awards.

A leading global rating agency, Moody's announced today that is strengthening its business in the Asia Pacific region and establishing closer linkages with the country, which it sees as one of the largest emerging markets in the world. 

CNBC's Mutual Fund of The Year Awards (MFA), which were launched a year ago, serve to showcase the credit rating firm's expertise in mutual fund analysis and ranking. The first MFA was held in February 2001.

CNBC India CEO Haresh Chawla says the mutual fund industry was playing a significant role in developing the equity culture and a healthy long term investing ethos. Therefore, it is essential to recognise the expertise and performance of this critical investment service, he added.