A delegation from Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) made its inaugural appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, engaging in a series of structured discussions with senior leaders from top global financial institutions. Over the four-day global forum, the team strategically positioned India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) as a scalable and regulation-ready destination for diverse sectors including banking, capital markets, insurance, fintech, and advanced digital operations.
India's Economic Transformation and Global Confidence
Sanjay Kaul, the Managing Director and Group CEO of GIFT City, emphasized that India is at a pivotal stage in its economic journey. He noted that global institutions are increasingly viewing the country not merely as a market but as a base for sophisticated financial and technology operations. The discussions held at Davos reflect a growing confidence in GIFT City's regulatory framework and operating environment, showcasing its ability to offer global firms a competitive, internationally aligned platform within India's jurisdiction to participate in the nation's long-term growth.
Key Meetings and Strategic Discussions
The GIFT City delegation conducted structured discussions with senior leadership from leading global financial institutions such as Euroclear, Marsh McLennan, Invesco, Visa, and Nasdaq. These meetings focused on the evolution of India's capital markets, cross-border fund flows, and the operational advantages provided by the IFSC ecosystem. Officials highlighted that these conversations underscored the increasing trust in GIFT City's capabilities and its alignment with global standards.
Growth Trajectory and Job Creation
Kaul further elaborated on GIFT City's strengthening position as India's only IFSC, which is aligned with the country's long-term economic goals. The ecosystem currently supports approximately 27,000 professionals, with expectations to reach 100,000 jobs by 2030. This growth is driven by sustained interest from global financial institutions across banking, fund management, leasing, and allied sectors, supported by a stable regulatory framework, robust infrastructure, and a developing social ecosystem.
Infrastructure and Quality of Life Enhancements
In parallel with business expansion, GIFT City is actively developing quality housing, healthcare, education, and urban amenities to support a thriving workforce. This holistic approach aims to create a conducive environment for professionals and their families, ensuring long-term sustainability and attractiveness as a global hub.
Broader Engagement and Future Prospects
Strategic conversations were also held with global advisory and institutional stakeholders, including Egon Zehnder, APCO Worldwide, Laurel Strategies, IMD Business School, and Surfin. These discussions underline the growing global interest in GIFT City as a long-term institutional and innovation destination. Beyond one-to-one meetings, GIFT City participated in curated roundtables at the GIFT Pavilion, focusing on India's Global Capability Centre (GCC) opportunity, the future of global capital flows, and technology-driven enterprise transformation. The delegation also joined exclusive sessions hosted by the Swiss Embassy, Swiss India Chamber of Commerce, and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
