India's Finance Ministry orders banks to open on Sunday before three-day bank strike

In India, the Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, that all public sector banks and regional rural banks will remain open on Sunday, September 27, 2026. This decision comes ahead of a three-day nationwide bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30. The strike coincides with weekend holidays, which would have resulted in five consecutive days of bank closures. The Reserve Bank of India approved the Sunday opening to ensure banking services remain available. The government has appealed to unions to defer the strike and resolve issues through dialogue.