The Government of the Virgin Islands has wrapped up its first-ever BVI–India Financial Services Trade Mission, calling the visit a landmark step in reinforcing the Territory’s long-standing ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. Photo: Facebook

From New Delhi to Mumbai, GIFT City and Bengaluru, the Virgin Islands delegation held high-level meetings with government officials, regulators and industry leaders shaping India’s financial and business landscape. These engagements were designed to strengthen trust, deepen cooperation and gain a clearer understanding of the needs of India’s dynamic financial market, officials said. Photo: Facebook

The 12-member delegation included senior government officials, representatives from the BVI Financial Services Commission, BVI Finance, the BVI Hong Kong Office and about 15 private-sector companies. Alongside Premier Wheatley, Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, participated in the mission, which ran from August 24 to 31, 2026. Photo: Facebook

Mission spans four key financial hubs

From New Delhi to Mumbai, GIFT City and Bengaluru, the Virgin Islands delegation held high-level meetings with government officials, regulators and industry leaders shaping India’s financial and business landscape. These engagements were designed to strengthen trust, deepen cooperation and gain a clearer understanding of the needs of India’s dynamic financial market, officials said. 

The mission included the first VI–India Trade Mission Roadshow in New Delhi and GIFT City under the theme 'A Strategic Partnership for India’s Global Expansion', with further roadshows and sector-specific meetings in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

A bridge to global markets

A central message of the mission was the role the VI can play as a bridge between India and global markets. Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the Territory can help Indian businesses and investors raise international capital, establish joint ventures, structure cross-border investments, and expand into new markets.

During the New Delhi leg, the delegation met India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and outlined plans to expand cooperation in financial services, FinTech, digital transformation, trade, investment promotion and capacity building. The VI also explored closer ties with GIFT City in areas such as cross-border legal services and investment protection.

Delegation & objectives

The 12-member delegation included senior government officials, representatives from the BVI Financial Services Commission, BVI Finance, the BVI Hong Kong Office, and about 15 private-sector companies. Alongside Premier Wheatley, Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, participated in the mission, which ran from August  24 to 31, 2026.

Objectives included attracting new business, strengthening institutional relationships, promoting the VI as a jurisdiction of choice for Indian enterprises, and securing partnerships in financial services, fintech, and investment.

‘Only the beginning’ of strategic partnership

In a statement following the mission, the Government of the Virgin Islands described the visit as “only the beginning” of what it hopes will be a long-term strategic partnership between the VI and India.

Officials expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and valuable conversations across all four cities and said they look forward to building on the connections forged in the months ahead.