What is GIFT City?
GIFT City, located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). It’s designed to rival global financial hubs like Singapore, Dubai, and London. The city operates with regulatory flexibility, world-class infrastructure, and a special legal and tax framework to attract international and domestic investors.
How is GIFT City Changing the Game?
1.Special Economic Zone (SEZ) + IFSC Status
GIFT City houses an IFSC — a zone that allows international financial transactions in foreign currency, under liberalised regulations from bodies like SEBI, RBI, and IRDAI.
> ✅ This lets Indian and foreign firms operate as if they are outside Indian jurisdiction while being physically in India.
2. Ease of Doing Business
Simplified regulatory approvals
Tax exemptions on capital gains, interest, and certain incomes
No securities transaction tax, commodity transaction tax, or stamp duty within IFSC
Why Are Investors Interested in GIFT City?
🔶 1. Tax Incentives
100% income tax exemption for 10 years (out of 15) for IFSC units
No dividend distribution tax (DDT)
No GST on international financial services
🔶 2. FPI and AIF Opportunities
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are setting up base here due to smooth capital movement rules.
NRIs and global HNIs are showing interest in investing via GIFT-based funds.
🔶 3. India’s Only International Bullion Exchange
The India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) launched in GIFT City allows direct imports of gold by qualified jewelers — a first for India.
🔶 4. Global Banks and Financial Firms
Global institutions like JPMorgan, Barclays, and Deutsche Bank have set up units, validating GIFT as a reliable offshore-like destination within India.
Why is the Government Promoting GIFT City?
🇮🇳 1. Bringing Back Offshore Transactions
Indian companies previously routed capital via Singapore, Mauritius, or Dubai. GIFT City brings those transactions back onshore, generating jobs and tax revenue.
🚀 2. Boosting India’s Global Financial Reputation
GIFT is part of India’s ambition to:
Make Mumbai–GIFT a global financial corridor
Attract global capital and FinTech innovation
Reduce reliance on foreign financial centers
🛡️ 3. Better Regulatory Oversight
Having global financial activities within Indian jurisdiction (even with relaxed rules) allows for greater control and security over large-value transactions.
GIFT City is no longer just an idea—it’s becoming India’s flagship global financial hub. With a liberal financial framework, strategic vision, and top-class infrastructure, GIFT City offers a win-win to both investors and the government. As more institutions move in, its impact on India’s financial system will only grow stronger.