Forex trading hours in India are unique due to the country’s time zone and its hybrid participation in both domestic and global forex markets. For Indian traders, understanding these hours is crucial for aligning strategies with market activity and liquidity.

This article explores when forex trading opens and closes in India, which global sessions affect Indian trading, and the best times to trade for maximum opportunity.

What This Article Covers

• Exact forex trading hours in IST
• Difference between domestic INR pairs and international pairs
• Best global sessions for Indian traders
• FAQs about forex trading timing in India

Key Takeaways

• INR-based forex trading on Indian exchanges runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM IST
• International forex markets run 24 hours, Monday to Friday
• The London and US sessions provide the best liquidity for Indian traders
• Understanding session overlaps enhances timing for trade setups

Forex Trading Hours In India (IST)

There are two types of forex markets accessible to Indian traders:

1. Domestic Forex Market (INR Pairs Only)

Operated on Indian exchanges such as NSE and BSE.

• Trading Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM IST (Monday to Friday)
• Instruments: USD/INR, EUR/INR, GBP/INR, JPY/INR

2. International Forex Market

Accessible through foreign brokers or offshore accounts.

• Trading Hours: 24 hours a day from Monday 5:00 AM IST to Saturday 5:00 AM IST
• Instruments: Major pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/JPY, AUD/USD, etc.

Major Global Forex Sessions in IST

Session	IST Time	Key Pairs Active
Sydney	5:30 AM – 2:30 PM	AUD/USD, NZD/USD
Tokyo	6:30 AM – 3:30 PM	USD/JPY, EUR/JPY
London	1:30 PM – 10:30 PM	EUR/USD, GBP/USD
New York	6:30 PM – 1:30 AM	USD/CHF, GBP/USD, USD/CAD

Best Time To Trade Forex in India

For those trading major pairs through international brokers, the most favourable trading windows are:

• 1:30 PM to 10:30 PM IST – London session
• 6:30 PM to 1:30 AM IST – New York session
• Overlap (6:30 PM to 10:30 PM IST) – Highest volatility and volume

Case Study: Trading from Mumbai

Arjun, a trader based in Mumbai, focused on EUR/USD through a global platform. He quickly realised that his strategy performed best during the London–New York overlap. By avoiding early morning and late-night trades, he improved consistency and reduced burnout. He enrolled in a Forex Course tailored to global time zones and now executes trades during optimal windows only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the forex trading hours in India for INR pairs?

INR currency pairs on NSE and BSE trade from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM IST, Monday to Friday.

Can I trade forex 24 hours in India?

Yes, but only through offshore brokers. Domestic brokers restrict trading to exchange hours for INR pairs.

When is the best time to trade forex from India?

Between 6:30 PM and 10:30 PM IST, during the London–New York session overlap.

Is it legal to trade forex 24 hours in India?

Trading non-INR pairs through unauthorised platforms is not legal under Indian law. Only INR pairs are permitted through regulated Indian exchanges.

Where can I learn forex trading with global session timing in mind?

You can enrol in a structured Forex Course that includes trading hours, session strategies, and live examples tailored to Indian traders.

Conclusion

Understanding forex trading hours in India empowers traders to align strategies with market activity and liquidity. Whether you trade INR pairs locally or major pairs globally, knowing when to trade is as important as knowing how. By mastering session overlaps and using compliant brokers, Indian traders can participate effectively in the world’s largest financial market.