The Sebi chief said global markets are witnessing turbulence as the conflict disrupts key shipping routes and triggers shocks in oil and gas supply as well as prices.
“Amid such uncertainties, India’s domestic fundamentals have continued to remain strong, providing resilience. It is important not to panic at this moment, but to remain calm amidst this storm,” said Pandey, noting that the benchmark index has navigated several phases of uncertainty and global shocks while delivering long-term growth.
So far this year, benchmark indices have corrected nearly 8 per cent, largely due to global volatility.
The Nifty 50 Index has recorded a compounded annual growth of around 11 per cent, increasing nearly 25-fold since inception, Pandey noted. He added that more than 40 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) now track the index, offering investors simple and cost-effective avenues to participate in the equity markets.
“The next generation of companies that shape our markets may come from industries that are still at an early stage today. As India’s economy continues to grow and integrate with global financial systems, our markets will also become larger and more complex. This will create new opportunities — but also new responsibilities,” said Pandey.
Highlighting the competitive yet collaborative approach among stock exchanges, the Sebi chief said developments such as common contract notes and interoperability reflect a deeper and more mature market ecosystem.
“Over these 30 years, the Nifty has become a mirror of corporate India, a barometer of investor sentiment, and a compass for the direction of our markets,” he added.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, NSE Managing Director and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan said the exchange plans to appoint investment bankers within this month for its long-awaited initial public offering (IPO).
Addressing concerns about potential delays due to the pending notification on the market regulator’s decision to allow a lower public float for mega IPOs, Chauhan said Sebi has allowed NSE to proceed with a smaller float because there is no identifiable promoter.
On concerns around volatility in crude oil prices, Chauhan said, “India would be able to handle this better than other Asian countries which are more dependent on imports — not only oil but also refined products. That’s where India seems to be doing better.”
