Few projects have generated as much buzz in international trading circles as India’s Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, or GIFT City. Touted as India’s answer to Singapore and Dubai, this ambitious initiative is not just another business district- it’s a special economic zone with regulatory carve-outs tailored to attract global exchanges, clearing houses, and the world’s most sophisticated traders.

As India liberalises its capital markets, modernises infrastructure, and positions itself as a linchpin of South Asia, GIFT City represents a launchpad for foreign institutions seeking India exposure while maintaining global best practices.

The Prime Minister’s Vision: A Global Financial Powerhouse

GIFT City is the personal project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose vision is clear: keep India’s companies from listing overseas unnecessarily, make India a magnet for global capital, and position the country as the next major trading and investment destination.

It’s also a bold statement that India is ready to play on equal terms with the world’s top financial hubs, offering the kind of regulatory clarity, tax incentives, and technological infrastructure that international investors demand.

A Game-Changer for Options and Derivatives Traders

For global derivatives players, the opportunity here is extraordinary.

Historically, India’s onshore markets have been tightly regulated, with capital controls, cumbersome paperwork, and limited hedging options. Traders wanting India exposure often turned to offshore centres, like Singapore’s SGX Nifty futures or Dubai’s currency derivatives.

GIFT City flips that script.

Within its International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), traders can access products structured to global standards:

•       Equity index futures and options with international-style margining
•       Commodities and currency derivatives in foreign currencies
•       A single-window regulator (IFSCA) offering streamlined approvals
•       Full capital account convertibility within the IFSC

It’s India’s most liberalised financial zone- offering the freedom and predictability global traders crave.

No wonder major players have already set up shop. Singapore Exchange (SGX) and NSE IFSC collaborated to migrate the hugely popular SGX Nifty to GIFT City. BSE’s India INX runs almost 22 hours a day, providing near-round-the-clock access for global investors.

For the options and derivatives community, this is a chance to structure India exposure seamlessly, with reduced basis risk and in a familiar regulatory environment.

Designed for the Future of Trading

GIFT City isn’t just a policy on paper. It’s being built as a 21st-century smart city, tailored for global finance:

• Tier-4 data centers and ultra-low-latency trading infrastructure
• Plug-and-play office towers for exchanges, brokers, and fintech firms
• Integrated housing, education, and leisure zones for talent attraction
• Dedicated connectivity to airports and major highways

Why Global Exchanges Are Betting Big

Nothing speaks louder than the actions of the world’s top exchanges. Last year, Arjun Global hosted an event in GIFT City which featured 10 global exchanges, underscoring its growing stature as a cross-listing hub.

This isn’t just about India catering to its markets- it’s about India becoming a vital spoke in the global trading wheel.

As geopolitical tensions push investors to diversify beyond China, India is emerging as the natural alternative. For global exchanges looking to tap South Asia’s appetite for derivatives and structured products, GIFT City is quickly becoming the launchpad of choice.

Join the Conversation: Arjun Global’s 2025 Forum

Amid all this momentum, there’s no better place to understand and shape the future of trading in India than Arjun Global’s GIFT City Financial Markets & Technology Forum 2025.

Date: 22nd September 2025

Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm IST

Venue: Grand Mercure, Ahmedabad GIFT City

What to expect:

• Deep dives on the future of trading, regulation, and capital markets
• Insights into technology’s transformative role in financial infrastructure
• Strategic discussions with decision-makers, investors, and innovators
• Unparalleled networking with exchanges, brokers, regulators, and tech leaders

Sponsored by industry giants like TMX Group, Clear Street, Marex, Trading Technologies, and SGX Group, this is the place where the next chapter of India’s financial revolution will be written.

Whether you’re a trader eyeing India’s growth story, an exchange executive planning cross-listings, or a fintech innovator building the next-gen trading stack- this is the forum you can’t miss.

Interested in sponsoring? Email events@arjunglobal.com

(Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Arjun Global does not make any guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and shall not be held liable for any losses or damages arising from reliance on the content. Always conduct your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.)