India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $18.3 billion to $747.5 billion RBI Data: $Billion
New Delhi, October 3 (PTI): India’s foreign exchange reserves fell $18.3 billion to $747.5 billion in the week ended September 25, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on October 3.
The decline was mainly on account of a sharp fall in the country’s Foreign Currency Assets (FCA), which is the largest component of India’s forex reserves. During the week, gold reserves, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also declined.
Foreign Currency Reserves Fall $15.5 Billion
India’s Foreign Currency Assets fell by $15.5 billion in the week, RBI data showed.
FCA after the decline was $615.4 billion. Generally, Foreign Currency Assets consist of assets denominated in major foreign currencies like the US Dollar.
Gold Reserves Decline to $108.7 Billion
Gold reserves of India also declined in the week ended September 25.
Gold reserves fell $2.5 billion to $108.7 billion, data from the RBI showed.
Gold continues to be a significant constituent of India’s overall foreign exchange reserves and adds diversification to the country’s reserve portfolio.
Also included is Special Drawing Rights
India’s holdings of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the International Monetary Fund also fell.
SDRs decreased by $97 million to $18.64 billion during the week, the RBI said.
IMF Reserve Position Down $86 Million
India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also fell during the period.
The reserve position fell by $86 million to about $4.8 billion.
India’s Forex Reserves: Crucial Figures
| Reserve Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Total foreign exchange reserves | $747.5 billion |
| Foreign currency assets | $615.4 billion |
| Gold Reserves | $108.7 billion |
| Special Drawing Rights | $18.64 billion |
| IMF Reserve Position | $4.8 billion |
Why Are Foreign Exchange Reserves Significant?
Foreign exchange reserves in India are very important for managing the country’s external financial position. They can assist in meeting foreign payment obligations, support import needs and provide a buffer during times of volatility in global financial markets.
But weekly movements in foreign exchange reserves are not necessarily pointers to a long-term trend in themselves. Movements in exchange rates, changes in the value of overseas assets and the RBI’s reserve management operations have implications for reserve levels.
The Bottom Line
India’s foreign exchange reserves dropped $18.3 billion to $747.5 billion in the week to Sept. 25, 2026. Foreign currency assets registered the largest fall of $15.5 billion while gold reserves, SDRs and the IMF reserve position also fell during the week.
The latest RBI data shows the week-on-week movement in India’s external reserves as the global currency and financial markets continue to affect the value of reserve assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the present level of India’s forex reserves?
In the week ended September 25, 2026, India’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $747.5 billion.
2. How much did forex reserves in India fall?
India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $18.3 billion during the week.
3. What are Foreign Currency Assets of India?
Foreign Currency Assets were $615.4 billion after falling by $15.5 billion during the week.
4. What are India’s gold reserves?
India’s gold reserves fell $2.5 billion to $108.7 billion.
5. Why are foreign reserves important?
Foreign exchange reserves are used to meet a country’s external payment needs and also to provide a financial buffer in times of financial stress in the global market.
