Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, also known as GIFT City, has enjoyed the rapid development of India’s most ambitious and well-conceived smart city in the last several years. Designed as a global financial and IT services hub, GIFT City is located 18 km from Ahmedabad and 12 km from Gandhinagar. It embodies the government’s aim to create a highly technological financial ecosystem with advanced infrastructure and world-class facilities. 1. Infosys Launches Development Centre in GIFT City
India's second-largest IT firm, Infosys, has committed significantly to GIFT City by launching a 1,000-capacity development centre. This development highlights the IT giant's optimism for the technology and finance growth in the area. The centre will develop digital solutions for its global clients and help the firm meet its sustainability and innovation objectives.
The move is also part of Infosys' broader strategy to decentralize its operations and tap into emerging talent pools (versus traditional IT talent hubs like Bengaluru or Hyderabad). This development has the potential to create "highly-skilled" jobs and has the potential to spur economic development in the region.
Gujarat CM Launches Sensex F&O Contracts in GIFT City
2. Cognizant Establishes TechFin Centre with 600 Employees
Continuing the trend, Cognizant has opened a TechFin hub in GIFT City with a team of over 600 professionals. Services are focused on the confluence of technology and finance: e.g., Ai, cloud, cybersecurity, and digital engineering, to help meet the increased FinTech demand globally.
This represents a very significant occasion in GIFT City's evolution, not only as a financial centre, but as a TECHFIN city where high-value IT and consulting services are performed. Cognizant's arrival has infused confidence in GIFT City's attractiveness to multinationals. 3. IIFT to Set Up New Campus in GIFT City
Education is also emerging as a key component of the city’s ecosystem. The distinguished Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has obtained permission to establish a campus in GIFT City. This is a strategic investment and will help address the talent supply by generating graduates who are ready for the industry with expertise in international trade, finance, and business.
A leading academic institution in GIFT City will not only provide local students and students nationwide access, but can also bring international partnership opportunities, executive education, and research initiatives, ultimately enhancing GIFT City’s vision as an integrated knowledge and business cluster.
The Rise of GIFT City: Transforming Gujarat into a Global Financial Hub
4. NMDC’s Expansion into GIFT City for Global Operations
The state-run mining major NMDC is another significant entrant, setting up operations in GIFT City to facilitate its international business expansion. The company is aiming to manage its overseas projects related to lithium, gold, and cobalt from this strategic location.
This move highlights GIFT City's utility beyond finance and IT – it is increasingly being recognized as a base for global corporate governance and strategic operations. NMDC’s presence may pave the way for other public sector enterprises to leverage GIFT City’s international legal and tax frameworks for global ventures. 5. Record-Breaking Land Deals Signaling Investor Confidence
Recent reports have revealed a land deal worth ₹330 crore, reflecting the sharp rise in investor interest in GIFT City. The land was acquired for high-end commercial development, indicating a strong demand for office and commercial space by leading developers and institutions.
Such investments show the market’s confidence in GIFT City’s future and affirm its position as one of India’s most promising urban investment destinations.
Top Corporate Companies in Gift City, Gandhinagar
Final Say
With a unique blend of regulatory benefits, futuristic infrastructure, and growing interest from top corporates, educational institutions, and government bodies, GIFT City is rapidly emerging as India’s answer to Singapore or Dubai’s financial districts.
From Infosys and Cognizant to NMDC and IIFT, the city attracts diverse stakeholders, all contributing to its holistic growth. The rise in real estate deals only adds further credibility to its potential.
As the city continues to evolve, GIFT City is no longer just a vision, it's a fast-developing reality, setting new benchmarks for urban planning, economic development, and global integration. If you want to buy real estate property in GIFT City, feel free to consult RES Management.
Frequently Asked Questions 1. How many companies invested in GIFT City?
Over 500 companies have established operations in GIFT City, spanning banking, insurance, fintech, IT, and capital markets, reflecting strong interest from both Indian and global investors in this financial hub. 2. What is the purpose of the GIFT City in India?
GIFT City aims to be a global financial and IT services hub, offering world-class infrastructure, regulatory ease, and a unified platform for international banking, insurance, stock exchanges, and fintech under India’s IFSC framework. 3. Is it good to invest in GIFT City?
Yes, investing in GIFT City offers long-term potential due to its special economic zone status, tax incentives, rapid development, and increasing presence of major corporations, making it a promising destination for both businesses and investors. 4. Is GIFT City tax free?
GIFT City offers several tax exemptions for units operating within the IFSC, including a 10-year tax holiday, no securities transaction tax, and exemptions on GST and stamp duty for specified transactions, making it highly tax-efficient.
