Foreign Exchange (Forex) Reserves of India
Foreign Exchange Reserves of India: Key Updates
Latest Release
June 20, 2025
Current
$697.935 Billion
Previous
$698.950 Billion
Growth %
▼-0.14% (Weekly)
Forex Reserves Update Summary – Week Ending June 20, 2025
- Forex Reserves: India’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $697.935 billion as of the week ending June 20, 2025, showing a marginal decline compared to the previous week.
- Previous Week: In the week ending June 13, 2025, reserves were at $698.950 billion.
- Change from Previous Week: Forex reserves decreased by $1.015 billion during the latest week. The drop was mainly due to a fall in gold holdings and SDR balances, even though foreign currency assets remained relatively stable.
- Indication: The slight dip in reserves is not concerning and appears to be part of routine fluctuations. Overall, the reserves remain at comfortable levels, continuing to provide a strong buffer against external shocks.
Changes and Their Reasons in Forex Components
- Gold Reserves: Gold reserves decreased by $0.573 billion to $85.743 billion, possibly due to a decline in global gold prices or valuation adjustments.
- Foreign Currency Assets: These assets fell by $0.357 billion to $589.069 billion, reflecting minor outflows or revaluation impacts.
- Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): SDR holdings declined by $0.084 billion (or $84 million) to $18.672 billion, likely due to valuation changes.
- Reserve Tranche Position (IMF): This component remained unchanged at $4.452 billion, indicating no new transactions with the IMF during the week.
Impact on People: Despite the marginal dip, India’s forex reserves remain at healthy levels, continuing to serve as a strong financial shield. This ensures rupee stability, import security, and inflation management, safeguarding public purchasing power in uncertain global conditions.
Impact on Market: While the minor weekly decline is routine, the overall reserve strength maintains investor confidence and enhances India’s ability to manage exchange rate fluctuations. The RBI remains well-positioned to ensure macroeconomic stability and encourage sustained foreign investments.
Note: The forex reserves data is reported with a one-week lag, meaning the figures reflect the position as of the previous Friday.
Historical Foreign Exchange Reserves of India Chart
The historical Foreign Exchange (Forex) Reserves of India are shown in the chart from 2nd Jan 2015. This chart gets updated when RBI releases new data on forex.
India's Forex Reserves Chart - Historical & Current Trends
Foreign Exchange Reserves of India Data table
Forex Reserves Detailed Breakdown (Updated Weekly)
| Week Ending | Total Reserves ($ bn) | Foreign Currency Assets ($ bn) | Gold Reserves ($ bn) | SDRs ($ bn) | IMF Position ($ bn) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2025 | 697.94 | 589.07 | 85.74 | 18.67 | 4.45 |
| Jun 13, 2025 | 698.95 | 589.43 | 86.32 | 18.76 | 4.45 |
| Jun 06, 2025 | 696.66 | 587.69 | 85.89 | 18.67 | 4.41 |
| May 30, 2025 | 691.49 | 584.22 | 84.31 | 18.57 | 4.4 |
| May 23, 2025 | 692.72 | 586.17 | 83.58 | 18.57 | 4.4 |
| May 16, 2025 | 685.73 | 581.65 | 81.22 | 18.49 | 4.37 |
| May 9, 2025 | 690.62 | 581.37 | 86.34 | 18.53 | 4.37 |
| May 2, 2025 | 686.06 | 581.18 | 81.82 | 18.56 | 4.51 |
| Apr 25, 2025 | 688.13 | 580.66 | 84.37 | 18.59 | 4.51 |
| Apr 18, 2025 | 686.15 | 578.5 | 84.57 | 18.57 | 4.51 |
| Apr 11, 2025 | 677.84 | 574.98 | 80 | 18.36 | 4.5 |
About Foreign Exchange Reserves of India
Foreign exchange (forex) reserves are assets held by a nation’s central bank, denominated in foreign currencies. In India, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) manages these reserves.
Over the years the RBI has been managing the reserves for financial stability. As you see, in the chart and table foreign exchange reserves fluctuate. It happens because the RBI uses them to support the economy and growth of India. However, there are other (internal and external) factors also responsible for the fluctuations.
The main components of India’s foreign exchange reserves are:
- Foreign Currency Assets (FCA): It include major currencies like USD, Euro, British Pound, and Japanese yen, etc.
- Gold Reserves: Gold is also held by the RBI as it helps and works as a backup asset in case of volatility in the currency.
- Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): This is a reserve asset that was created by the IMF. It represents a basket of currencies.
- Reserve Position in the IMF (RTP): It means India’s quota contribution to the IMF. It gives borrowing rights from the IMF when there is a financial crisis.
These are the components that together form India’s total foreign exchange reserves, which are managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
FAQs
What are forex reserves and what do they include?
Forex reserves are like a country’s financial safety net, held by its central bank to support the currency and keep the financial system in balance. They usually include things like foreign currencies (with US dollars being a big part), gold, IMF reserve positions, and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs). On top of that, there are foreign banknotes, treasury bills, government securities, and bank deposits. All these pieces come together to create what’s called international reserves—a reliable stash for keeping things steady.
Why do countries hold forex reserves?
Countries keep forex reserves to ensure they can maintain stable monetary and exchange rate policies, step in when currency markets need a little balance, and safeguard the economy during tough financial times. These reserves also come in handy for covering imports, paying off debts, or handling unexpected emergencies, which ultimately boosts the country’s financial stability and resilience.
How do forex reserves help during an economic crisis?
During tough times, forex reserves are like a financial safety net, helping the country manage urgent imports, pay off foreign debt, or support the national currency. This brings stability to the markets and gives investors peace of mind. Think of it as a reassuring backup that shields the economy from surprises and boosts confidence in how the country handles challenges.
Why are high forex reserves important?
Having strong reserves is like having a safety net for a country—it allows it to handle currency changes and unexpected global challenges with ease. Reserves help cover import costs and foreign debts, reassure investors, and act as a cushion during tough economic times. A solid reserve level keeps the currency steady and lowers the chances of a balance of payments crisis, offering overall stability and peace of mind.
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GDP & Economic Growth Indicator
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Forex Reports & Analysis
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India’s Forex Reserves Jump to $692.72 Billion – Gains Driven by Gold and Foreign Currency Assets
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India’s Forex Reserves Dip Slightly to $685.73 Billion – Gold Reserves Lead the Decline
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India’s Forex Reserves Rise to $690.617 Billion for Week Ending May 9, 2025
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India’s forex reserves stood at $686.064B week ending May 2, 2025
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India's Forex Reserves Jump by $10.88 Billion – Weekly Update (11 April 2025)
Important
If you notice any discrepancies in the data or find any inaccuracies, please let us know. We will review and correct them as soon as possible.