Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 19: India’s foreign exchange reserves climbed by $1.689 billion to $688.94 billion for the week ending December 12, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported on Friday.
Gold reserves rose by $758 million, reaching $107.741 billion, while Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) inched up by $14 million to $18.735 billion. The previous week, forex reserves had increased by $1.03 billion to $687.26 billion, with gold reserves rising $1.188 billion to $106.984 billion and SDRs increasing by $93 million to $18.721 billion.
The RBI regularly monitors foreign exchange market developments and intervenes when necessary to ensure orderly trading conditions.
Meanwhile, India’s foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments have hit record highs this year. During the first half of FY 2025-26, total FDI inflows reached $50.36 billion, marking a 16% increase over $43.37 billion in the same period last year — the highest-ever first-half inflows for India. Gross FDI inflows have grown steadily from over $34 billion in 2012-13 to more than $80 billion in 2024-25.
Official data shows a robust rebound in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, with FDI inflows rising over 18% year-on-year to $35.18 billion between April and September 2025. Analysts noted that the rising repatriation trend reflects India’s ability not only to attract foreign capital but also to deliver strong returns, enhancing its reputation as a reliable investment destination. The government has actively leveraged free trade agreements to promote export diversification and attract further foreign investment.