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India draws record $127 billion through forex deposits: RBI
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/2/2026

India draws record $127 billion through forex deposits: RBI

India has attracted a record $127.23 billion in foreign-currency deposits through a special program initiated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These deposits, known as Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR(B), were part of an effort to strengthen the country's foreign-exchange liquidity and support the economy during times of financial stress. The program, which was launched on June 8 and initially set to run until September 30, was closed a month early due to the overwhelming response. In addition to FCNR(B) deposits, overseas foreign-currency borrowings and external commercial borrowings added approximately $136.377 billion in total inflows. The initiative aims to provide Indian banks with more foreign currency to manage external pressures and stabilize the foreign-exchange market, especially during periods of high rupee volatility. This development echoes similar efforts made during the 2013 'taper tantrum' crisis.

India mobilized a record $127.23 billion in foreign-currency deposits through a special program initiated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), signaling robust participation from the overseas Indian community in bolstering the nation’s foreign-exchange liquidity. According to the RBI, Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR(B) deposits totaled $127.226 billion as of August 31. When combined with overseas foreign-currency borrowings (OFCB) and external commercial borrowings (ECB), the total inflows reached $136.377 billion. The unprecedented response led the RBI to close the FCNR(B) window a month ahead of its scheduled closure date. Originally intended to remain open until September 30, the program was terminated on August 31 after the central bank stated its objectives had been met earlier than anticipated. FCNR(B) deposits are fixed-term accounts held in foreign currencies, with both the principal and interest repaid in the same currency. This structure allows non-resident Indians to hold foreign-currency funds with Indian banks without directly exposing themselves to rupee exchange rate fluctuations. These inflows enhance the availability of foreign currency for Indian banks and the RBI, aiding in managing external pressures and maintaining liquidity in the foreign-exchange market, especially during times of heightened rupee volatility. Private-sector lender ICICI Bank disclosed that it had mobilized $17.88 billion through FCNR(B) deposits by August 31. The bank extended $9 billion in loans through its international branches and subsidiaries against these deposits, while issuing standby letters of credit amounting to $3.63 billion to other banks. The RBI’s measures included absorbing hedging costs for banks mobilizing FCNR(B) deposits and permitting banks to lend against the funds. The initiative aimed to fortify India’s external sector and improve foreign-exchange liquidity amidst global uncertainties. Provisional RBI data indicated that overseas foreign-currency borrowings added $5.26 billion, while external commercial borrowings brought in $3.891 billion. The current mobilization echoes India’s response to the 2013 “taper tantrum,” when the RBI introduced a special FCNR(B) swap scheme to attract foreign-currency deposits from overseas Indians as the rupee faced severe pressure following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to reduce its monetary stimulus. That scheme mobilized approximately $26 billion in nearly three months, leading to a notable recovery in the rupee. Foreign-currency assets acquired through the latest swaps will be recorded as foreign-currency assets on the RBI’s balance sheet, potentially contributing to the country’s foreign-exchange reserves. India’s forex reserves increased by $12.422 billion to reach a record $729.328 billion in the week ending August 21, according to the latest RBI data. The finance ministry noted that the substantial mobilization of long-term non-resident deposits and institutional funding would reinforce India’s external buffers while providing foreign-currency resources to banks and companies. This response underscores the continued role of the Indian diaspora in supporting the nation’s financial and economic growth and reflecting confidence in the resilience of the Indian economy and banking system. The record inflows occurred as India’s economy demonstrated resilience despite heightened global uncertainty. The GDP growth for the April-June quarter reached 7.8%, surpassing expectations and the RBI’s forecast of 7%. The success of the FCNR(B) program has also enabled the RBI to bolster forex reserves, offering it greater flexibility to intervene in the currency market and support the Indian Rupee (INR). This comes at a critical juncture as the INR faces pressure from rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions. The RBI launched the FCNR(B) scheme in June, aiming to attract about $80 billion in foreign-currency deposits. By August 31, the program had exceeded this target, reaching $100 billion. The RBI decided to terminate the program a month earlier than planned, citing concerns over potential reversal risks from excessive inflows. Despite this, banks will continue to benefit from the swap facility for existing deposits until September 11. The replenished forex reserves have allowed the RBI to strengthen the rupee, which gained as much as 0.4% to 94.7988 per dollar, marking its strongest level since July 1.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

4 reports

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 859/2/2026
India draws record $127 billion through forex deposits: RBI

India has attracted a record $127.23 billion in foreign-currency deposits through a special program initiated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These deposits, known as Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR(B), were part of an effort to strengthen the country's foreign-exchange liquidity and support the economy during times of financial stress. The program, which was launched on June 8 and initially set to run until September 30, was closed a month early due to the overwhelming response. In addition to FCNR(B) deposits, overseas foreign-currency borrowings and external commercial borrowings added approximately $136.377 billion in total inflows. The initiative aims to provide Indian banks with more foreign currency to manage external pressures and stabilize the foreign-exchange market, especially during periods of high rupee volatility. This development echoes similar efforts made during the 2013 'taper tantrum' crisis.

Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about economic policies implemented by the Reserve Bank of India without showing any clear ideological bias. It focuses on the financial aspects and does not present any particular political viewpoint or critique.

Why factuality (90): The article provides detailed figures from the RBI, including the $127.226 billion in FCNR(B) deposits and the closure of the scheme a month early. It references specific financial instruments and explains their purpose, aligning closely with official statements and cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): The article presents information objectively, explaining the economic implications without overtly favoring any particular perspective. It includes quotes and explanations that maintain a balanced view of the situation.

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 809/2/2026
NRIs put $100 billion in RBI scheme to take India's forex reserves to record high

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) successfully attracted $100 billion in foreign currency investments through its FCNR(B) scheme, leading to a record-high foreign exchange reserves of $729.3 billion. This achievement prompted the RBI to close the scheme a month early due to concerns about potential reversal risks from excessive inflows. The influx of funds helped stabilize the Indian Rupee (INR), which had previously weakened against the US Dollar due to geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices. The scheme allows non-resident Indians (NRIs) to deposit foreign currency earnings in India, offering fixed-term accounts with returns in foreign currency. The RBI introduced a concessional swap facility to boost participation, reversing a decline in FCNR(B) inflows.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the RBI's economic strategy and its impact on India's foreign exchange reserves without overtly favoring any political ideology. It reports on the technical aspects of the FCNR(B) scheme, its implementation, and its effects on the economy, maintaining a cent

Why factuality (85): The article cites the RBI's scheme, mentions the $100 billion figure, and references external reports like Bloomberg and The Financial Express. It provides context about the impact on forex reserves and the reasons for closing the scheme early, aligning with the broader narrative from other sources.

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains an objective tone, discussing the implications of the scheme without showing clear bias. However, it briefly mentions the UK-based Financial Times report, which might slightly influence the reader's perception of the situation.

The Indian Express logoThe Indian ExpressIndependentCenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 789/2/2026
RBI’s forex swap draws $136.37 billion, FCNR(B) deposits drive surge

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that its foreign exchange swap operation attracted $136.37 billion, contributing to a significant increase in foreign currency non-resident (FCNR(B)) deposits. This surge reflects heightened inflows into the country's financial system, potentially influenced by favorable interest rates and economic conditions. The RBI's forex swap program allows banks to borrow foreign currency at competitive rates, which they then lend to customers, thereby supporting liquidity and investment opportunities. The rise in FCNR(B) deposits indicates growing confidence among international investors in the Indian market, although the exact factors driving this trend require further analysis.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data regarding monetary policy and financial inflows without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on economic indicators and central bank operations, which are typically considered neutral in tone unless explicitly framed through a partisan lens. The lack,

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (78): The tone remains professional but slightly leans towards emphasizing the significance of the forex swap and FCNR(B) deposits, potentially giving more weight to these elements than others. The language is generally neutral but carries a subtle emphasis on growth indicators.

Business Standard logoBusiness StandardIndependent🔒CenterFactual: no official source document/info detectedObjective 789/2/2026
RBI's forex swap window draws $136.37 billion, FCNR (B) leads inflows

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that its foreign exchange swap window attracted total inflows of $136.37 billion. The Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) B scheme was the leading contributor to these inflows. This indicates strong demand for Indian currency and suggests confidence in the country's financial stability. The figures highlight the effectiveness of the RBI's measures to manage foreign exchange reserves and support the economy.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual economic data without any apparent ideological framing or biased language. It focuses on the performance of the RBI's forex swap window and does not take a stance on political issues.

Why factuality: no official source document/info detected

Why objectivity (78): The tone is generally neutral, focusing on the facts of the monetary transaction. However, there is slight editorializing in the phrasing 'leads inflows,' which implies a ranking or emphasis not necessarily supported by additional context. This introduces a minor bias in interpretation.

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