foreign exchange reserves

India has significantly increased import tariffs on gold and silver to 15% from 6% to curb imports and protect foreign exchange reserves. This move follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal for citizens to avoid gold purchases for a year, aiming to narrow the trade deficit and support the rupee amid global economic pressures.

Economists believe India’s foreign-exchange reserves are still sufficiently strong to shield the rupee from the oil price shock triggered by the Iran conflict, with the country’s reserve buffers remaining far healthier than the levels seen during the 2013 taper tantrum.

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Prime Minister Modi urged Indians to halt gold purchases for a year to protect foreign exchange reserves, a call supported by GTRI which highlighted a surge in gold imports straining the trade balance. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed the appeal, emphasizing reduced import spending amid Middle East conflict, leading to a sell-off in jewellery stocks.

In Buxar, jewellery merchants express deep concern following Prime Minister Modi's suggestion to curtail gold purchases. They argue that such measures could jeopardize jobs and threaten the livelihood of small enterprises. Gold, they insist, holds immense cultural value and provides financial security for many rural and middle-class households.

The Indian rupee hit a new low against the US dollar, pressured by rising oil prices and external debt. Analysts link the decline to the US-Iran conflict, which has boosted crude oil costs and strained India's economy. While the RBI and government are intervening, markets anticipate potential interest rate hikes to stabilize the currency and manage inflation.

The erosion in reserves reflects not only intervention by policymakers to support domestic currencies, but also valuation losses in non-dollar assets, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The Indian Rupee hit a record low of 95.63 against the US dollar amid escalating geopolitical tensions and fragile investor sentiment. Intensifying Middle East conflict, rising oil prices, and sustained foreign fund outflows are pressuring the currency. This economic uncertainty is also reflected in a significant dip in domestic stock markets.

India's foreign exchange reserves experienced a significant drop of $7.794 billion, reaching $690.693 billion in the week ending May 1. This decline, primarily driven by a fall in foreign currency assets and gold reserves, follows a previous decrease. The central bank's intervention in the forex market to support the rupee is a key factor behind this trend.

India has moved silver imports to a "restricted" category, requiring government approval, to prevent traders from exploiting a duty gap created by a recent 15% import tax hike. This move aims to curb arbitrage opportunities through the India-UAE free trade agreement, protect foreign exchange reserves, and control precious metal inflows, while exempting export-oriented industries.

Falling exchange rate can curb imports more effectively than austerity measures. Don't intervene in forex market

The Indian Rupee hit a fresh all-time low against the US dollar, slumping to 95.74 amid soaring crude oil prices and Middle East tensions. While RBI interventions and higher gold import duties offered some support, the currency remains vulnerable. Foreign investors offloaded equities, yet domestic stock markets opened higher.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to reconsider overseas travel and embrace domestic tourism due to rising global crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainties. He emphasized that conserving foreign exchange reserves and supporting local businesses is a patriotic duty during challenging economic times, encouraging reduced use of imported products and increased reliance on public transport and EVs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vehemently denied reports suggesting the government was considering a cess or tax on foreign travel. He stated there was no truth to these claims and reiterated the commitment to improving 'Ease of Doing Business' and 'Ease of Living' for citizens, dismissing any notion of imposing such restrictions.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to curb non-essential gold purchases has raised concerns within Odisha's jewellery industry. Jewellers argue gold is integral to traditions, and a slowdown threatens the livelihoods of artisans and goldsmiths who depend on steady demand, especially during wedding and festival seasons.

India’s gold imports hit a record $71.98 billion in 2025-26, rising over 24% from $58 billion a year earlier. This was largely due to skyrocketing global gold prices, which have bumped up the value of imported gold.