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Key Points

India's forex reserves climbed to $693.6 billion, inching closer to the all-time high of $704.89 billion. The RBI confirmed the reserves can cover 11 months of imports, signaling strong economic stability. Gold holdings contributed significantly, reaching $86.16 billion. The central bank actively manages liquidity to stabilize the rupee amid global fluctuations.

Key Points: India Forex Reserves Near Record High at $693.6 Billion

  • Forex reserves rise $4.7 billion to $693.6 billion
  • Gold reserves now stand at $86.16 billion
  • RBI maintains buffer for 11 months of imports
  • Reserves rebound sharply after $9.3 billion drop last week
2 min read

India's forex reserves currently at $693.6 billion, inching towards fresh all-time high

India's forex reserves surge to $693.6 billion, nearing all-time high, boosted by foreign currency assets and gold holdings.

"The foreign exchange kitty was sufficient to meet 11 months of the country’s imports. – RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra"

Mumbai, August 17

India's foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 4.747 billion in the week that ended August 8 to USD 693.618 billion, driven by gains in both foreign currency assets and gold holdings, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its latest 'Weekly Statistical Supplement'.

In the preceding week, India's foreign exchange reserves reported a sharp decline, slipping USD 9.32 billion.

Still, the forex kitty is hovering close to its all-time high of USD 704.89 billion touched in September 2024.

After the latest monetary policy review meeting, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the foreign exchange kitty was sufficient to meet 11 months of the country's imports.

The latest RBI data showed that India's foreign currency assets (FCA), the largest component of foreign exchange reserves, stood at USD 583.979 billion.

According to RBI data, the gold reserves currently amount to USD 86.160 billion.

In 2023, India added around USD 58 billion to its foreign exchange reserves, contrasting with a cumulative decline of USD 71 billion in 2022.

In 2024, the reserves rose by a little over USD 20 billion. So far in 2025, the forex kitty has cumulatively jumped by about USD 53 billion, data showed.

Foreign exchange reserves, or FX reserves, are assets held by a nation's central bank or monetary authority, primarily in reserve currencies such as the US Dollar, with smaller portions in the Euro, Japanese Yen, and Pound Sterling.

The RBI often intervenes by managing liquidity, including selling dollars, to prevent steep Rupee depreciation. The RBI strategically buys dollars when the Rupee is strong and sells when it weakens.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the numbers look good, I wonder how much of this is actual economic growth vs just RBI's dollar purchases? The rupee still feels weak when I travel abroad.
R
Rohit P
Gold reserves at $86 billion! Smart move by RBI to diversify. Remember 1991 crisis? Never again should India have to pledge gold for loans.
K
Kavya N
Good to see reserves growing but wish some of this wealth could be used to reduce fuel prices. Petrol/diesel costs are burning holes in middle class pockets.
V
Vikram M
The forex fluctuations show how volatile global markets are. RBI's timely interventions are commendable. We need this buffer with China tensions at our borders.
S
Sarah B
As an investor in India, these numbers give me confidence. Stable forex reserves mean lower risk for foreign investments. Keep it up RBI!

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