GIFT City exchange expands global market access
KD NEWS SERVICE
MUMBAI, Nov 3: The NSE International Exchange (NSEIX), operating from Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), has introduced 23.5-hour market operations, marking a significant development in its efforts to expand international market access and connect Indian financial markets with global trading participants.
The enhanced trading schedule came into effect on November 2, 2026, extending the exchange’s daily market operating hours to 23 hours and 30 minutes. Under the revised framework, market operations begin at 3:15 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) and continue until 2:45 AM the following day.
The initiative is aimed at providing international investors and trading participants with a substantially longer window to access the exchange, enabling participation across Asian, European and American trading hours. With this extension, NSEIX is seeking to establish a near round-the-clock trading environment, operating for almost 24 hours a day within the global five-day trading framework.
The extended schedule is expected to provide greater flexibility to market participants seeking to respond to international developments and manage their market exposure across different time zones. It also strengthens GIFT City’s role as an international financial centre connecting India with global capital markets.
The development reflects NSEIX’s focus on expanding international accessibility through technology-driven market infrastructure and operational efficiency. By extending its trading hours, the exchange is seeking to accommodate the requirements of participants operating across different geographical regions and international financial markets.
Technology enables extended operations
Maintaining market operations for 23.5 hours a day requires technological systems capable of supporting extended trading sessions while allowing essential maintenance and system updates within limited intervals.
According to NSEIX, its advanced technology infrastructure enables rapid system maintenance and updates. The exchange has indicated that maintenance between trading sessions can be completed within three minutes, while end-of-day maintenance takes less than 15 minutes.
These arrangements form an important part of the new operating framework, allowing the exchange to maintain its extended schedule while accommodating necessary technical and operational requirements.
The exchange has stated that the revised trading framework is supported by comprehensive technology and operational arrangements specifically designed for an extended market environment.
Management describes it as a major milestone
Commenting on the development, V. Balasubramaniam, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSEIX, said the extension to 23.5-hour trading was an important milestone in the exchange’s endeavour to create a globally accessible marketplace from GIFT City.
“By enabling market access across all time zones, we are providing participants with greater flexibility and strengthening GIFT City’s connectivity with global financial markets,” he said.
The exchange has reiterated its commitment to expanding international market access and building robust market infrastructure in line with the evolving requirements of global participants.
Diversified financial products
Established on June 5, 2017, NSEIX is an international multi-asset exchange operating from GIFT City and recognised by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
The exchange offers a diversified portfolio of financial products, including Indian single-stock derivatives, index derivatives, currency derivatives, depository receipts and global stocks.
Its primary-market offerings include equity share listings, Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), depository receipts, debt securities and ESG debt securities under the framework of the IFSCA (Issuance and Listing of Securities) Regulations, 2021.
NSEIX and GIFT NIFTY have also received exemptions from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission under Regulation 30.10 and Securities and Exchange Commission class relief under Sections 5, 6, 15 and 17A of the Securities Exchange Act, 1934. These regulatory arrangements enable US customers to participate in derivative contracts listed on NSEIX, subject to the applicable regulatory framework.
The introduction of extended market operations adds a new dimension to the exchange’s existing product and market infrastructure. By making its marketplace accessible for a substantially longer period each day, NSEIX is seeking to strengthen its international reach and provide participants with greater flexibility in accessing its financial products.
The initiative also represents an important development for GIFT City’s ambition to strengthen its position as an international financial services centre. The exchange’s focus on extended trading hours, technology-led operations and a diversified product portfolio is intended to support its efforts to build stronger connections with global financial markets.
