GIX: A New Gateway for Indian Companies

By Pradeep Panigrahi

In a landmark step for sustainable finance, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the Green Impact Exchange (GIX) on 14th April, 2025 — the world’s first national stock exchange focused entirely on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles.

Set to begin trading in 2026, GIX will enable companies to list if they commit to stringent sustainability standards, offering a gateway into the $35 trillion global sustainability economy.

For Indian companies, GIX opens new doors: access to US green capital, enhanced global reputation, and alignment with evolving ESG investment priorities. With growing scrutiny on climate impact and corporate ethics, listing on GIX provides Indian firms a platform to demonstrate leadership in sustainability.

A strategic branding edge:

GIX will operate within the US National Market System, ensuring transparency, credibility, and regulatory oversight. By meeting its rigorous requirements, companies gain stakeholders’ confidence in their ESG integrity — a key differentiator for global investors seeking sustainability-aligned assets.

Listing on GIX can also enhance the brand. The Indian company will not only be seen as ESG aware but also as actively driving the change. Dual-listing on GIX — while retaining their home exchange — gives Indian firms in sectors like IT, pharma, clean tech, and energy the chance to position themselves as global sustainability leaders. The payoff could include better valuations, lower cost of capital, and greater investor trust.

Built-in regulatory momentum:

India’s ESG reporting framework is already maturing. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) requires Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) for the top 1,000 listed companies. From FY 2023-24, SEBI mandated the top 150 listed companies to carry out third-party assurance of ESG Core data and from 2026-27, disclosures about value chain partners

GIX further raises the bar. To qualify, companies must set short-, medium-, and long-term green targets, adopt global standards (like TCFD or ISSB), and disclose verified, auditable data on emissions, resource use, and governance. This will push Indian corporations to deepen ESG integration and strengthen board-level oversight.

Firms already aligning with global frameworks will find the GIX transition smoother. For others, it offers a clear roadmap for elevating sustainability practices to global standards.

Tapping US green capital:

The ESG investment market is booming, and GIX creates a streamlined access point for companies. Analysts expect the platform to drive capital formation for firms that meet its benchmarks, particularly in climate-aligned sectors.

This also strengthens US–India climate finance cooperation. Past initiatives like the U.S.–India Clean Energy Finance Facility and private players such as Green Frontier Capital have already funneled millions into Indian green ventures. GIX now offers American investors a regulated route to support ESG-driven Indian companies — further deepening bilateral green finance flows.

Aligning with Viksit Bharat:

India’s Viksit Bharat vision centers on green, inclusive, and resilient growth. GIX aligns seamlessly with this narrative. As of 2024, India is the world’s second-largest climate finance destination, driven by strong policy and private innovation. GIX listing will only strengthen India’s global ESG leadership.

In the short term, Indian companies must assess their readiness, enhance ESG systems, and track SEBI’s evolving alignment with global norms. Early adopters will be best positioned when trading begins in 2026.

The way forward:

GIX is more than a new listing venue — it’s a symbol of credibility in the green economy. For Indian businesses, it offers a pathway to global relevance, investor confidence, and sustainable growth.

While GIX is primarily for public companies, the effects will trickle down. As large Indian corporations move toward GIX standards, their supply chains — often composed of MSMEs — will be required to improve their ESG performance. StrateRise, a leading ESG advisory firm, is already partnering with Indian companies to decode global frameworks, build credible sustainability governance, and prepare for GIX — ensuring they don’t just meet the standards but set them.