State Bank of India Emerges as Indian Bank with the Largest Global Presence

The State Bank of India (SBI) has reinforced its position as the country’s most globally connected bank, now holding the record for the largest number of foreign offices by an Indian bank. With a network of 241 overseas branches and offices in 36 countries, SBI continues to serve as India’s financial ambassador across continents.

From New York to Nairobi, London to Tokyo, SBI’s global operations include full-service branches, international banking units (IBUs), subsidiaries, and representative offices—all designed to support international trade, Non-Resident Indian (NRI) services, and cross-border remittances.

“SBI’s international presence is not just about scale, but about enabling India’s global economic footprint,” said a senior SBI official.

The bank’s overseas journey began as early as 1864, when one of its predecessors, the Bank of Madras, opened a branch in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Today, SBI’s overseas operations span major financial hubs in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and Australia, offering vital banking services to Indian businesses and the global Indian diaspora.

  • Foreign Offices: 241
  • Countries: 36
  • Services: Trade finance, forex, NRI banking, remittances, and corporate lending
  • Historic Start: First overseas branch in 1864 (Colombo)
  • Facilitating export-import operations and global trade
  • Supporting NRIs and Indian companies abroad
  • Promoting financial inclusion in foreign markets through partnerships and subsidiaries

As India’s economy continues to expand its global influence, the State Bank of India remains at the forefront, building bridges between India and the world, one branch at a time.

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