Gandhinagar, March 19 (NationPress) A financial hub conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi nearly twenty years ago has now materialized, with GIFT City starting to rival major global financial centres like Singapore, Dubai, London, and New York, stated Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Thursday.

Speaking at the launch of the “IFSCA Talent Vista Summit-2026” in GIFT City, Sanghavi highlighted that the project, once regarded by some as a mere “daydream,” has established itself on the global stage as a leading fintech centre.

He pointed out that this development is a reflection of a long-term vision that began when Modi first introduced the concept on what was then an unproductive expanse of land.

“GIFT City is not just an infrastructure initiative, but a hub that fosters the aspirations and values of millions of young individuals, helping them realize their goals,” Sanghavi remarked while addressing industry leaders, vice-chancellors, and students from across the nation.

He mentioned that the city’s advancement has been supported by the International Financial Services Centres Authority’s cohesive regulatory framework, an appealing tax system, and India’s expanding digital financial prowess.

The focus will now transition towards cultivating world-class talent to sustain its upcoming growth phase.

Sanghavi noted that institutions like IIM Ahmedabad, MICA, Nirma University, and the National Law University in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar are preparing a new generation of professionals for the global financial sector, with international universities operating in GIFT City also contributing.

He added that the state government is dedicated to facilitating structured internships and placements to maximize opportunities for young professionals.

“Employment opportunities at GIFT City could provide global exposure and compensation on par with international standards, allowing Indian professionals to forge careers at home,” he stated.

To cater to lifestyle needs, Sanghavi announced plans for over 20 international-level restaurants anticipated to open within the next year.

Furthermore, he revealed that the government is developing a “Working and Living in GIFT City” model to enhance residential facilities for employees.

Encouraging investment, he emphasized: “Gujarat offers political and policy stability, and the state government is responsive to investor inquiries.”

Referring to the expansion of companies such as Wipro, he affirmed that the state continues to present growth opportunities.

On the sidelines of the summit, Sanghavi inaugurated a new office for Wipro Ltd. at GIFT City and toured the facility.

The event was attended by Uday Kotak, chairman of GIFT City, Sanjay Kaul, its managing director, and Rishad Premji, executive chairman of Wipro, among others.

P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, remarked that GIFT City has transformed from a concept into a functioning global financial framework, with financial activities previously conducted abroad increasingly shifting to India.

He noted that this transition is bolstering the country’s capital markets and creating high-value employment.

“In alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision, GIFT City will serve as a crucial link in achieving the objective of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” Mishra said, emphasizing that in the age of the digital economy and artificial intelligence, human resources remain the most vital asset.