# Indian investors' global market routes

> Three paths for Indian investors to access overseas markets: mutual funds, GIFT City funds, or direct stocks.
- Title: Indian investors' global market routes · The Economic Times
- Summary: Three paths for Indian investors to access overseas markets: mutual funds, GIFT City funds, or direct stocks. Indian investors can choose between…
- Keywords: indian investors, international mutual funds, gift city funds, direct stocks, global markets, foreign currency investments, investment options, Indian, investors', global, market, routes
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/international-investing-for-indians-mutual-funds-gift-city-or-direct-stocks/articleshow/135117484.cms
- Author: ET Special
- Published: 2026-10-23T01:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: indian investors, international mutual funds, gift city funds, direct stocks, global markets, foreign currency investments, investment options
## Three access routes
Indian investors have three main ways to access global markets: international mutual funds, funds based in GIFT City, and direct investments through overseas brokerage accounts.
## Mutual funds route
Investors can buy units through indian investment platforms and transact in rupees, while the fund provides exposure to overseas markets.
## Mutual funds limitations
Overseas investments by indian mutual funds are subject to regulatory limits, and restrictions on fresh subscriptions affect availability of some schemes.
## GIFT City funds
These funds can offer exposure to overseas securities through a pooled investment structure with a different regulatory framework than domestic mutual funds.
## Direct investing route
Through an eligible overseas brokerage platform, investors can select individual foreign stocks or exchange-traded funds, depending on the markets and securities available.
## Remittance rules
For resident individuals, remittances for permitted overseas investments fall under the reserve bank of india’s liberalised remittance scheme (lrs) allowing up to us$250,000 per financial year.
## Choosing the right route
Investors should assess their existing holdings, investment horizon, risk tolerance, and the role overseas assets would play in their portfolio before deciding.
## Key takeaway

Indian investors can choose between international mutual funds, GIFT City funds, or direct overseas investments based on their needs and risk tolerance.