Bengaluru: Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank and JSC First Asset Management have introduced a new mutual fund, First–India, offering investments linked to the performance of the Nifty50 Index (NSEI), a flagship index on the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE), comprised of stocks from India’s top 50 companies by market capitalization providing Russian retail investors direct exposure to India’s stock market. The launch was announced at the event at the National Stock Exchange of India by Sberbank CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Herman Gref’s during his business visit to India.
The Nifty50 is one of the most widely followed equity indices among market participants globally. It comprises 50 large-cap, highly liquid stocks listed on the NSE, representing 15 diverse sectors of the Indian economy. In India, there are over 45 passive funds that track the Nifty50, while an additional 22 passive funds outside India track the Nifty50 Index. The Nifty50 index was launched in 1996 and will complete 30 years on April 22, 2026.
Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE:
“We are pleased to support Sberbank in launching Nifty50-linked investment solutions that strengthen capital flows and open India’s equity growth to Russian investors through a trusted benchmark. This initiative reflects strong confidence in India’s markets and deepens the India–Russia financial cooperation. NSE is committed to partnering with Sberbank to enhance market connectivity, uphold regulatory and investor-protection standards, and build liquidity and transparency for these products as we create new opportunities for investors in both countries.”
Herman Gref, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank:
“We are opening another window of investment opportunities for our Russian clients, this time to South Asia. Our new product provides a convenient way to gain exposure to one of the world’s key economic markets—the Indian stock market. Until now, no straightforward options existed for Russian investors seeking personal investments in Indian assets. However, we have created a new and efficient financial bridge between the two countries.”
