India’s National Stock Exchange (NSE) will conduct a live trading session on Sunday, February 1, 2026, coinciding with the Union Budget presentation. Meanwhile, SEBI has unveiled the SWAGAT-FI framework, a single-window system to simplify access for trusted foreign investors, aiming to boost capital inflows and strengthen India’s financial markets.
In a rare move, the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) announced that it will remain open for trading on February 1, 2026, despite the day being a Sunday, to align with the presentation of the Union Budget. Trading will follow standard market timings from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, covering equity, derivatives, and commodity segments.
Simultaneously, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced the Single Window Automatic and Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors (SWAGAT-FI) framework. This initiative simplifies compliance and registration for low-risk foreign investors such as sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and public retail funds, offering 10-year registration validity and unified access across investment routes.
Key Highlights
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NSE Trading Session: February 1, 2026 (Sunday), standard timings.
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Reason: Coincides with Union Budget presentation.
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Segments Active: Equity, derivatives, and commodities.
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SEBI SWAGAT-FI Framework: Single-window access for trusted foreign investors.
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Eligibility: Sovereign funds, pension funds, government-related investors, public retail funds.
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Benefits: Simplified compliance, extended registration validity (10 years), unified investment access.
These developments highlight India’s proactive measures to ensure seamless market operations during critical policy announcements while enhancing its attractiveness to global investors.
Sources: Hindu BusinessLine, News18, Economic Times, KPMG BFSI Newsletter, ET Government.