India has proven yet again that it is a global economic powerhouse by becoming the world's fourth-largest economy in nominal GDP.1 One of the more underrated aspects of this fantastic growth story is the Special Economic Zones, or SEZs.
SEZs in India are purpose-built zones that provide investors and enterprises with an industrial location featuring distinct advantages through sector-based clusters and a supportive policy framework for companies aiming to serve both Indian and international markets. The SEZ Policy of India aims to establish industrial areas that minimise operational friction and enhance profitability through various fiscal and procedural incentives, including tax exemptions, duty-free imports, single-window clearances, and relaxed land-use regulations.2
SEZs are often established in areas with skilled workforce and connectivity to ports and highways. SEZs enable companies to focus on what truly matters—scaling operations and expanding into new markets. For investors seeking speed, efficiency, and long-term value, SEZs offer a well-planned, low-barrier entry into India's growing economy.
India currently has 276 operational SEZs, which were responsible for $172.27 Bn of exports in FY 2024-25.3 Some of the key SEZs in particular that investors should pay attention to are listed below. Let us explore them in detail.
Mundra SEZ
Located in the state of Gujarat, Mundra SEZ is a privately owned port project, managed by the Adani Group through Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ). It is India's largest notified and operational multi-product SEZ, as well as the largest port-based SEZ.4 Mundra Port handled nearly 11% of India's maritime demand in FY2025.5 The same year, it became the only port in India to cross the 200 million tonnes mark in cargo handling, making it India's busiest commercial port.6
Mundra SEZ is situated in a highly strategic location, offering direct access to India's most important maritime trade routes, and is thus recognised among India's foremost SEZs. The zone hosts industries such as automotive, textiles, electronics and agro-processing. Seamless rail and road connectivity, along with proximity to the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor7, enhance its attractiveness for export-driven businesses. For investors, Mundra provides a well-established industrial ecosystem with access to global trade.
MEPZ SEZ
The Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) was designated as an SEZ zone in 2006, despite having been operational since 1984, making it one of the oldest SEZs in the country.8 It is situated just 6 km from Chennai International Airport and is well-connected by road and rail. Its location also affords access to maritime trade routes via the Chennai Port, providing robust logistical support for export-led enterprises.
The zone is a vital hub for sectors such as electronics, textiles, and IT services. Official statistics say that MEPZ, and six other SEZs in Tamil Nadu, exported goods and services worth over ₹1,34,000 crore in FY2024.9 Another advantage that MEPZ boasts is access to some of India's skilled professionals, making it particularly attractive for mid-sized and large enterprises looking to scale their operations. For investors seeking stability, a mature ecosystem, and easy market access, the MEPZ Chennai SEZ remains a trusted and strategically placed SEZ in southern India.
Noida SEZ
Located in the heart of India's National Capital Region, Noida SEZ provides businesses with a strategic base, offering seamless access to New Delhi, its international airport, and key national expressways. It spans over 300 acres10 and is a haven for sectors such as IT, electronics and engineering.
The NSEZ is an exciting prospect for investors since it is likely to benefit from the broader upcoming wave of industrial development across Uttar Pradesh, with projects like Jewar International Airport.11 The Noida SEZ also leverages the state's excellent policy support and skilled workforce, providing long-term upside for investors interested in North India's SEZ landscape.
Sri City SEZ
The Sri City SEZ is a sprawling 7,000+ acre12 town near the Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh border, poised to grow into one of India's key industrial hubs. As the government intensifies its efforts in manufacturing, this SEZ is poised to benefit from India's growth narrative.
Located a mere hour's drive from Chennai, the SEZ is situated in a confluence of major roads, railways and airports across South India. With two international airports and four major seaports nearby, businesses can ship goods quickly and easily tap into global markets. For export-focused companies, Sri City offers the scale, access, and workforce necessary to drive rapid growth.
The SEZ focuses mainly on the electronics, FMCG and automotive industries, and is home to several global giants' Indian presence, including Foxconn, Colgate-Palmolive and PepsiCo,13 making it a high-value manufacturing destination. When considering a business-friendly environment, well-developed infrastructure, and access to a skilled talent pool, it's easy to see why Sri City is attracting long-term investment interest.
Kandla SEZ
Kandla SEZ doesn't rely on scale or flash but rather delivers on legacy and reliability. It has the honour of being India's first SEZ and was established in 1965. A port-based SEZ, it continues to thrive as a hub for traders, manufacturers and exporters. The port handled 108.724 MMT of cargo during FY 2024-25 (up to December 2024).14
Located near Kandla Port and just 60 km from Mundra SEZ on the western coastline of India, the zone specialises in chemicals, plastics, engineering goods, gems and minerals. It boasts a well-developed infrastructure spanning 1,000 acres, a robust export ecosystem, and proximity to shipping routes that connect with Africa, the Gulf, and Europe.15 For businesses seeking a proven, low-friction environment with consistent export activity, Kandla remains a dependable choice. It's a zone that doesn't chase headlines but quietly delivers results.
Vishakapatnam SEZ
Vishakapatnam SEZ is located near one of India's busiest ports. Its proximity to the Bay of Bengal gives exporters direct access to key shipping lanes in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Spanning 360 acres, the zone provides ready infrastructure for industries seeking to scale quickly.
VSEZ supports a diverse mix of sectors and is essential for the local state economy. Companies in the pharmaceuticals, agro-technologies, engineering, garments, and IT services sectors operate here. The presence of large public-sector industries and private clusters nearby creates a strong support system for new investors. With competitive land rates and reliable port connectivity, VSEZ continues to attract businesses that prioritise stability and growth. It plays a steady, strategic role in India's eastern export landscape.
GIFT City SEZ
GIFT City SEZ is India's first International Financial Service Centre (IFSC). It is essentially supposed to be an SEZ for banking, insurance, fintech and capital markets. Major global institutions, such as HSBC and JPMorgan, already manage their Indian operations through GIFT City. The SEZ provides regulatory clarity for investors through special allowances, including zero capital gains tax for specific categories, exemption from securities transaction tax, and a single-window clearance system.
As of 2024, over 550 entities have registered,16 and trading volumes at the GIFT IFSC have grown steadily. For investors eyeing the future of finance in India, this isn't just another SEZ—it's a long-term strategic bet.
Cochin SEZ
Kerala hosts one of India's prominent SEZs: the Cochin Special Economic Zone (CSEZ), situated in Kakkanad and spanning 100 acres. Established in 1984 as a multi-product export zone, it was transformed into an SEZ in 2000. The main industries include manufacturing, IT/ITES, ready-made garments, and rubber-based products. Companies within the Cochin Special Economic Zone (SEZ) enjoy several benefits, such as cost savings, streamlined compliance guidelines, tax incentives, and export support from the SEZ. Additionally, its proximity to Cochin's international airport and port offers logistics and shipping companies significant advantages.17
Pithampur SEZ
Known as the "Detroit of India" due to its concentration of automobile manufacturers, Pithampur is a city in Madhya Pradesh situated near Indore. The Pithampur SEZ houses nearly 59 industrial units, including companies involved in packaging, jumbo bags, and agricultural products. Of these, 22 units belong to the pharmaceutical industry.18 Its presence, sectoral diversity, and ongoing export performance highlight its significance for Madhya Pradesh's industrial economy.19
SEEPZ SEZ
SEEPZ, or the Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone, was established in 1973 as an electronics manufacturing and export zone in Andheri (East), Mumbai, spanning 100 acres. It expanded to include gems and jewellery in 1987–88, which quickly became an important export sector. With SEEPZ becoming an SEZ in 2000, it became a location with a combination of electronics, IT, and jewellery units. It is in a significant location with yarns of export performance and infrastructure, making it one of India's most important urban SEZs.20 It is the largest cluster of studded precious metal jewellery in the world with over 180 units.21
Falta SEZ
Established in 1984 and brought under the SEZ Act in 2006, Falta SEZ is situated approximately 55 km from central Kolkata. The zone promotes a pollution-free environment and provides links to the ports of Kolkata and Haldia, as well as to an international airport at Dumdum. Units operating here benefit from tax and duty exemptions under SEZ regulations, making it an appealing destination for export-focused industries in eastern India.22
JNPA SEZ
The JNPA SEZ is a multi-product port-based Special Economic Zone developed under the Sagarmala initiative and operational since June 2020. Covering a total area of 277 hectares, it is situated near Navi Mumbai with excellent sea, road, rail, and air connectivity, including the new Navi Mumbai International Airport and the under-construction Mumbai Trans Harbour Link. JNPA functions as both the developer and planning authority, with streamlined approval processes. Currently, 54 plots covering 307 acres have been allotted, hosting units in food manufacturing, warehousing, and other sectors. The goal is for the JNPA SEZ to set a benchmark for future port-led industrialisation in India.23 JNPA is a premier container handling Port in India accounting for around 50% of the total containerised cargo volume, across the major ports of India.24
Conclusion
SEZs in India provide direct pathways into a fast-growing, opportunity-rich economy. The best part is that India offers every type of SEZ that an investor could need. There are the port-driven havens of Mundra and Kandla, sector specialists such as Sri City and GIFT City, and each SEZ contributes something unique for both global and domestic investors. These zones combine robust infrastructure, policy support, and access to key markets, creating ideal conditions for long-term business growth. They simplify entry, expedite setup, and connect you to the country's expanding trade and industrial networks.
As India accelerates its push for exports, manufacturing, and financial leadership, the SEZ policy in India is a powerful force that will underpin the next wave of investment.
