GIFT City News & Updates

IFSCA Proposes Wider Global Investment Access Through GIFT City

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has released a consultation paper proposing to expand the list of jurisdictions from which GIFT City distributors can offer investment products to retail investors. Under the proposal, regulated financial products from the European Union (excluding Croatia), the UAE, Singapore, and Australia would become accessible through GIFT IFSC, alongside existing approved jurisdictions.

The proposed framework is designed to strengthen GIFT City's position as a global financial hub, provide Indian investors with broader access to internationally regulated investment products, and attract leading global asset managers and financial institutions to establish operations in GIFT IFSC. The move is expected to enhance product diversity, improve cross-border investment opportunities, and boost the international competitiveness of India's financial ecosystem while maintaining strong regulatory oversight and investor protection.

GIFT City Poised to Become India's Preferred Offshore Financial Hub

GIFT City is steadily emerging as India's premier international financial centre, with Managing Director and Group CEO Sanjay Kaul stating that it should become the natural destination for all India-related offshore financial business. The vision is to encourage global financial institutions, asset managers, insurers, banks, and capital market participants to conduct India-focused international financial activities through GIFT IFSC instead of overseas financial centres.

Supported by a world-class regulatory framework, tax incentives, and the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), GIFT City continues to strengthen its position as a global financial gateway. The ecosystem is expanding rapidly with increasing participation from multinational banks, investment funds, insurance companies, and fintech firms, reinforcing GIFT City's role in attracting international capital and boosting India's cross-border financial services ecosystem.

HCLTech Expands to GIFT City

HCLTech has inaugurated its Global Technology Centre in GIFT City, focused on developing AI-led solutions for global financial services.

The inauguration was attended by Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and HCLTech CEO & MD C. Vijayakumar, reflecting strong support for GIFT City’s continued growth.

Every global company choosing GIFT City strengthens its ecosystem, creates high-value employment, and reinforces its position as India’s Global Financial & Technology Hub.

Big Boost for GIFT City - Liquor policy change

June 26, 2026 GUJARAT INTERNATIONAL FINANCE TEC-CITY

The Gujarat Government has reduced VAT on foreign liquor in GIFT City from 65% to 25% and removed the special fee previously levied on liquor served within GIFT City.

Why does this matter?

• More attractive for global companies & talent
• Stronger hospitality, retail & dining ecosystem
• Better lifestyle experience for professionals
• Positive for long-term commercial & residential real estate demand

This isn’t just a liquor policy change.

It’s another step towards making GIFT City a truly global financial centre and strengthening its “Live, Work & Play” ecosystem.

At Gujarat Property, we believe such ecosystem-focused reforms will continue to support the long-term growth story of GIFT City.

Jio-BlackRock Broking applies to IFSCA for operating as broker-dealer & investment advisor in GIFT City.

June 24, 2026 GUJARAT INTERNATIONAL FINANCE TEC-CITY

The company has proposed to establish operations from GIFT SEZ in Gandhinagar and undertake activities permitted under the IFSCA (Capital Market Intermediaries) Regulations, 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

GIFT City QR Based Audio Tour Inauguration by MD & Group CEO, Mr. Sanjay Kaul (IAS)

March 26, 2026 GUJARAT INTERNATIONAL FINANCE TEC-CITY

GIFT City has launched its QR-based Audio Tour system, offering visitors an immersive, self-guided way to experience the city’s world-class infrastructure.

From iconic high-rises to advanced utilities like District Cooling System, Automated Waste Collection, and explore all utilities and key landmarks seamlessly through your smartphone.

Sanjay Kaul Takes Over As GIFT City's New Chief

Kaul, a 2001 batch IAS officer, currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, has been appointed MD & CEO of GIFT City for a period of three years. Kaul succeeds Tapan Ray whose term ended about a month ago

Sanjay Kaul, a 2001-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre and a native of Vadodara, Gujarat, has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, GIFT City company Ltd, Gandhinagar on deputation, from the date of assumption of charge of the post, for a period of three years.

Huge Announcement for GIFT City in Union Budget

The Union Budget 2026 has delivered a significant policy push for GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City).

It is extending the tax holiday for units operating within its International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) to 20 years with a concessional 15% tax rate thereafter.

This strategic move is aimed at:

• Strengthening GIFT City's appeal as a global financial hub
• Attracting international financial institutions & capital inflows
• Enhancing tax certainty and competitiveness vs. other global IFSCs
• Supporting India's broader ambitions in international finance

A huge positive signal for global investors, institutions, and India's financial services ecosystem!

This will drive huge investments in Commercial and Residential projects inside GIFT City.

GIFT City signed strategic MoU with the Government of Gujarat and Henox for ₹1,317 crore to establish Gujarat’s First Cable Landing Station

December 11, 2025 GUJARAT INTERNATIONAL FINANCE TEC-CITY

GIFT City, in partnership with the Gujarat government and Sharjah-based Henox IT & Data Centers Pvt. Ltd., signed an MoU on December 11, 2025, to establish Gujarat’s first Cable Landing Station (CLS) at Dhuvaran in Anand district, featuring a ₹1,317 crore investment. This critical infrastructure will connect India directly to the Middle East and Europe, enhancing data transfer speeds and providing a significant boost to GIFT City's IT, AI, and financial ecosystem, while creating over 1,300 jobs.

Key Description Details of the Project:

• Signatories: Gujarat Government, GIFT City, and Sharjah-based Henox IT & Data Centers Pvt. Ltd.
• Investment: Approximately ₹1,317 crore
• Location: Dhuvaran, Khambhat region, Anand District, Gujarat
• Employment Generation: 1,300+ direct and indirect employment opportunities
• Infrastructure Impact: Acts as a submarine cable gateway connecting international undersea cables directly to Gujarat’s inland IT network
• Objective: To reduce reliance on Mumbai's infrastructure, provide superior connectivity for GIFT City's financial institutions, accelerate AI/ML and AI startups, and boost the GCC (Global Capability Centres) ecosystem
• Strategic Route: Connects India to the Middle East and Europe (specifically targeting a new route from Fujairah in the UAE)

The CLS is expected to make Gujarat a key digital gateway, strengthening its position to attract major global digital infrastructure investments.

The Government of Gujarat has appointed Uday Kotak as the Chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City Company Ltd. (GIFT City) with immediate effect.

The Government of Gujarat has officially appointed Shri Uday Suresh Kotak as the Chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec City Company Limited with immediate effect. The appointment marks a significant development in the governance and strategic direction of GIFT City, India’s first operational International Financial Services Centre based in Gujarat.

According to the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department Resolution dated 13 February 2026, Shri Uday Kotak succeeds Dr. Hasmukh Adhia IAS Retd., who previously served as Chairman of Gujarat International Finance Tec City Company Limited. The resolution confirms that the new appointment takes effect immediately, and the detailed terms and conditions will be decided separately.

Zerodha will soon launch US stocks on Kite. This and much more was discussed at today's GIFT City Global Markets Conclave

Zerodha has announced plans to soon enable trading in U.S. stocks directly on its trading platform Kite. This upcoming feature will allow Indian investors to buy and track leading American companies from the same interface they currently use for Indian equities, making global diversification much easier. The announcement was shared during discussions at the GIFT City Global Markets Conclave, where industry leaders highlighted the growing demand among Indian investors for access to international markets.

The initiative is expected to leverage the financial ecosystem of GIFT City, India’s international financial services hub located in Gujarat. By integrating U.S. stock access within Kite, Zerodha aims to simplify cross-border investing, reduce friction for retail investors, and strengthen India’s position in global financial markets. The conclave also featured broader discussions on market innovation, global capital flows, and how platforms like Zerodha can expand opportunities for Indian traders and investors.