GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 24,002 points at 7:58 a.m. IST, indicating the benchmark Nifty 50 would open below Monday’s close of 24,092.70.The Nifty and the BSE Sensex had snapped a three-session losing streak on Monday, supported by a rebound in information technology stocks after sharp losses last week.

However, analysts said broader market momentum remained fragile due to persistent geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East.Investor concerns have centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that handles about one-fifth of global oil flows. Continued disruptions and uncertainty around the conflict have pushed Brent crude prices close to $109 per barrel.

Higher oil prices are a significant risk for India, the world’s third-largest crude importer, as they raise inflation pressures, increase the import bill and can weigh on economic growth as well as corporate profitability.

Efforts to end the Iran conflict appeared stalled after a U.S. official said on Monday that President Donald Trump was dissatisfied with Tehran’s latest proposal to resolve the war.Back in domestic markets, foreign portfolio investors sold Indian equities worth 11.51 billion rupees ($122.2 million) on Monday, extending their selling streak to a sixth consecutive session.

Domestic institutional investors remained net buyers for a third straight day, purchasing shares worth 41.24 billion rupees and helping cushion broader market declines.Among individual stocks, UltraTech Cement, India’s largest cement producer by capacity, is expected to remain in focus after reporting quarterly profit above analyst estimates, supported by stronger demand and favorable weather conditions for construction activity.

State-owned Coal India also posted better-than-expected March-quarter earnings, helped by higher coal prices and stronger demand.SBI Cards and Payment Services reported a 14% year-on-year increase in quarterly profit, adding to investor focus on earnings-driven moves across sectors.

Market participants are expected to remain cautious in the near term, balancing domestic earnings momentum against external risks from energy prices, global inflation concerns and sustained foreign capital outflows.

The move promises faster, more efficient, and cost-effective forex operations, enhancing the attractiveness of GIFT City as a premier finance hub rivaling global centres like Dubai and Singapore.

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) recently launched a real-time foreign currency settlement system at GIFT City, with Standard Chartered India initially handling U.S. dollar clearances.

This pioneering system has cut settlement times dramatically, from nearly 24 hours to just 30 seconds, streamlining operations for investors and financial institutions alike.

K. Rajaraman, chairman of IFSCA, confirmed that discussions with the RBI are focused on expanding the facility to include domestic banks. Once approved, Indian lenders will be able to settle their forex transactions instantly through GIFT City, opening new business avenues and providing investors with greater flexibility and efficiency in cross-border trading.

“In the next six-to-eight months, we plan to allow banks in India to settle their dollar transactions through this clearing system with due permissions from the Reserve Bank of India,” he said.

This innovation aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to position GIFT City as a global financial hub. By combining real-time forex settlements with tax-neutral advantages, GIFT City is set to attract more foreign investors and strengthen India’s position in international financial markets.

GIFT City is also enhancing its derivatives market. The National Stock Exchange of India recently introduced daily expiry contracts for GIFT Nifty, a dollar-denominated derivative of the Nifty 50 index traded at the hub.

Unlike domestic derivatives, which have stricter regulations to protect retail investors, GIFT Nifty is designed for institutional participants, ensuring robust risk management while providing exciting opportunities for sophisticated investors.

Rajaraman emphasized that risk measures are in place to prevent any spillover from derivative activity at GIFT City to domestic markets, ensuring stability and confidence for all participants.

He noted, “The dollar-denominated instruments are meant for institutional investors, mitigating the issues often seen with retail trading in domestic derivatives.”

These advancements reflect India’s proactive approach to modernizing its financial infrastructure, combining technology, efficiency, and regulatory foresight.

By enabling real-time FX settlements and offering innovative derivative products, GIFT City is setting a global benchmark for financial centers, attracting both domestic and international investors.

With these developments, GIFT City is not only simplifying forex and derivative transactions but also creating a dynamic ecosystem that encourages growth, investment, and financial innovation.

The city is poised to become a shining example of India’s commitment to strengthening its financial markets, fostering investor confidence, and promoting the country as a leading hub for global finance.