That model is now set to travel beyond India's borders for the first time.

By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnam International Financial Center–Da Nang (VIFC-DN), GIFT City has signalled that its role is evolving beyond attracting global capital. It now aims to become a knowledge exporter for countries that are building their own international financial centres.

Under the partnership, GIFT City will share the institutional experience, regulatory approach, and ecosystem-building expertise it has acquired during its own development journey. The two institutions will collaborate in financial services, fintech, digital innovation, capacity building, financial sector development, and cross-border investment.

The Blueprint Goes Global

Global financial centres such as London, Singapore, and Dubai have built their international influence over decades. While GIFT City is still in its growth phase, the partnership with Vietnam suggests that India is now prepared to present its IFSC model on the global stage.

This collaboration is about more than sharing experience. It also lays the foundation for greater capital flows, fintech cooperation, institutional partnerships, and stronger business linkages between India and Vietnam.

The two institutions will also work together on joint research, publications, professional exchanges, conferences, seminars, and other outreach initiatives to maintain long-term institutional engagement.

Collaboration Over Competition

According to Sanjay Kaul, Group CEO and Managing Director, GIFT City, international collaboration is essential for building globally competitive financial centres.

Kaul highlighted that GIFT City will share the knowledge and institutional experience gained during its development, while exploring new opportunities in financial services, fintech, and investment. In his view, the partnership will strengthen both financial and commercial ties between India and Vietnam.

Building Home Ecosystem

Alongside the Vietnam agreement, GIFT City has signed two additional strategic MoUs to strengthen its own ecosystem.

Its partnership with Tata Communications aims to position GIFT City as a preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), treasury centres, technology enterprises, and other service-oriented businesses. The collaboration will include stakeholder engagement, market intelligence sharing, and business development initiatives.

Meanwhile, the agreement with CEPT University reflects GIFT City's broader ambitions beyond financial services. The two institutions will collaborate in urban planning, sustainability, executive education, research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building, integrating academic expertise into the city's long-term development strategy.

Until now, GIFT City has largely focused on attracting foreign banks, asset managers, and global financial institutions to India. However, its partnership with Vietnam conveys a broader message: India no longer wants to be only a destination for global capital. It also wants to export the institutional model it has built for developing international financial centres.

If similar collaborations expand to more countries, GIFT City's identity could evolve beyond being India's only IFSC. It has the potential to emerge as a regional hub for knowledge, policy expertise, and institutional cooperation for emerging financial centres across Asia.