Indian investors widen overseas investment horizons

Indian investors are increasingly broadening their investment portfolios beyond domestic single stocks, turning to global markets through avenues such as US equities , exchange‑traded funds ( ETFs ), private market opportunities, and global funds, according to a new report.

The report “How India Invests Globally 2025” by Vested Finance shows that investors are adopting a more structured approach to portfolio construction, demonstrating growing confidence in global market participation. Expanded access to research, digital platforms, and educational resources has been key in driving this shift, especially among investors in smaller cities outside the major metros.

Currency factors are also influencing investor behaviour. With the rupee facing persistent depreciation , global investments are becoming increasingly relevant since long-term outcomes are affected in ways that simple headline figures often overlook.

The report highlights that equities remain the most preferred mode of overseas investment for Indian investors, with approximately 68% choosing stocks , followed by 24% opting for ETFs, and smaller proportions investing in cash or global funds. This reflects a clear appetite for direct ownership in international companies, particularly in growth-oriented markets like the United States.

Investor participation in overseas equity and debt has risen sharply, growing nearly fourfold from USD 422 million in FY19 to about USD 1.7 billion in FY25. In the first half of the current financial year, outbound investment stood at USD 1.01 billion .

“What we are seeing in the data is not just higher participation, but greater intent, investors are thinking in terms of asset allocation, diversification, and long-term global exposure rather than one-off bets,” said Vested Finance CEO Viram Shah .

Vested’s platform integrates data, model portfolios, educational content, and analytical insights designed to help investors understand global opportunities within a broader portfolio context. The report also notes a rising trend among global Indians using international investing platforms not just to access overseas markets but also to invest back into India, creating a two-way global capital perspective .