NSE IX Expansion Could Soon Let Indians Buy Japan and European Stocks — A Big Shift in Global Investing
Indian retail investors may soon gain access to global stock markets including Japan, Australia and Europe’s Euronext exchange as NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) plans to expand its Global Access Provider (GAP) framework beyond US markets after March 31. The move represents a significant step in making international investing easier and more accessible through a single regulated platform.
The NSE IX initiative is based on a “super broker” model that connects Indian investors with multiple international brokers, allowing seamless trading in foreign equities. The United States market has already been launched as the first phase, and the next stage of expansion is expected to include several developed markets once the platform stabilisation process is completed.
NSE IX Managing Director and CEO V Balasubramaniam explained the scope of the platform:
“The global access provider is a platform of a super broker. We can give access to Japan’s stocks. We can give access to Euronext. We can give access to Australian stocks to Indian retail investors.”
The expansion is expected to provide Indian investors with diversified global investment opportunities through a simplified trading structure.
NSE IX Super Broker Model Aims to Simplify Overseas Investing
The Global Access Provider framework allows Indian investors to buy and sell foreign stocks through a single interface without the need to open multiple overseas brokerage accounts. The platform integrates foreign brokers into a unified system, reducing operational complexity and making international investing more convenient.
The model is designed to replicate the experience of domestic trading platforms, allowing investors to trade global equities in a familiar digital environment. This approach is expected to remove many of the barriers that previously limited participation in overseas markets.
Key features of the super broker model include:
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Single platform access to multiple global markets
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Integration with foreign broker partners
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Simplified onboarding and trading
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Digital account management
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Centralised trading interface
The expansion beyond US securities is expected after March 31 once the exchange completes the operational stabilisation phase of the initial rollout.
This phased approach ensures that trading systems, settlement processes and investor services operate smoothly before additional markets are introduced.
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Investors Could Soon Access Japan, Australia and Euronext Markets
Under the proposed expansion, Indian investors will be able to invest in equities listed in major international markets including Japan, Australia and the Euronext exchange network, which operates across several European countries.
The addition of these markets would significantly expand investment opportunities for Indian investors by providing exposure to global industries such as technology, manufacturing, energy and financial services.
The platform will allow value-based investing through arrangements with foreign broker partners, enabling investors to take positions even in high-priced international stocks.
The expansion is expected to strengthen India’s cross-border investment ecosystem and position NSE IX as a gateway for global investing from India.
Fractional Investing and T+1 Settlement Could Improve Investor Participation
One of the key features of the NSE IX Global Access platform is fractional investing, which allows investors to purchase small portions of expensive global stocks rather than buying full shares. This feature makes overseas investing accessible to retail investors with smaller investment amounts.
Fractional investing allows investors to allocate capital efficiently across multiple global companies without needing large ticket sizes. This structure is widely used in developed markets and is expected to increase participation from Indian retail investors.
The platform will also follow a T+1 settlement cycle, meaning trades will be completed one business day after execution. Faster settlement cycles reduce counterparty risk and improve capital efficiency for investors.
Benefits of the trading framework include:
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Faster settlement of trades
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Reduced settlement risk
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Better capital utilisation
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Easier portfolio diversification
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Lower entry barriers
These features are expected to make global investing more practical for retail investors.
Tax Rules Remain Unchanged for Overseas Investments
NSE IX clarified that investments made through the Global Access platform will remain subject to existing taxation rules and will not receive any special tax incentives. Investors will need to comply with the same tax regulations that apply to overseas investments under Indian law.
Balasubramaniam said:
“Outbound, there is no tax benefit for Indians. Whatever tax applies, applies.”
Foreign jurisdictions typically deduct withholding tax on investment income such as dividends before payments are made to investors. However, investors may claim tax credits under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) when filing income tax returns in India.
Balasubramaniam explained:
“There are double taxation treaties… If you have paid tax in some other country, then in your income tax return you can say this tax has been taken by them, so this can be adjusted.”
The exchange emphasised that overseas investing through GIFT City does not provide tax arbitrage opportunities for resident investors.
“The government of India is not giving tax incentives for Indians to invest outside the country.”
This clarification is important because some investors previously assumed that GIFT City investments might offer tax advantages.
Budget Changes Strengthen GIFT City’s Global Financial Role
Recent policy developments have strengthened the International Financial Services Centre ecosystem at GIFT City, making it more attractive for global financial institutions and foreign investors.
The Union Budget 2026 extended the tax holiday period for GIFT City companies from 10 years to 20 years, which is expected to attract additional financial activity into the IFSC ecosystem.
Balasubramaniam said:
“GIFT City companies initially were given a 10-year tax holiday. Now once the Finance Bill is passed… that will become 20 years.”
Foreign investors operating through GIFT City enjoy several tax advantages, including exemption from capital gains tax under certain conditions.
“Foreigners are exempted from capital gains. There is no taxation to be collected from them.”
Foreign investors do not need Indian tax registration and typically pay taxes in their home jurisdictions, which has contributed to growing liquidity in NSE IX products.
Here’s What Happened Today and Why Traders Reacted
The planned expansion of NSE IX Global Access attracted strong market attention because it signals a structural shift toward global investment integration.
Key Developments
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NSE IX planning expansion after March 31
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Access to Japan, Australia and Euronext expected
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Super broker model introduced
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Fractional investing enabled
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T+1 settlement framework
Why Traders Reacted
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Easier global investing access
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Increased market participation expected
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Higher trading volumes possible
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Structural growth for capital markets
Investors reacted positively because easier access to international markets is expected to increase investment activity and diversify portfolios.
What This Means for Investors and Portfolios
For investors, the NSE IX expansion represents a major opportunity to diversify beyond Indian equities and gain exposure to global markets through a regulated domestic platform.
Short-term impact on investors
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Increased interest in global investing
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Easier access to foreign stocks
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Higher trading activity expected
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Growing retail participation
Long-term impact on portfolios
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Better geographic diversification
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Exposure to global growth sectors
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Reduced dependence on Indian markets
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Currency diversification benefits
The expansion of NSE IX Global Access could transform overseas investing for Indian retail investors by making global equity markets as accessible as domestic stocks.
