foreign exchange reserves

India's central bank significantly boosted its gold reserves, bringing back 104 metric tonnes domestically between October 2025 and March 2026. This move, amid global geopolitical tensions and a decline in foreign currency assets, saw gold's share in forex reserves rise to 16.7%. Globally, central banks are increasingly repatriating gold, reflecting a growing trend towards bolstering national sovereignty.

India's foreign exchange reserves surged by $2.362 billion to $703.308 billion in the week ending April 17, following a previous gain of $3.825 billion. This increase, driven by rising foreign currency assets and gold reserves, marks a rebound after a decline caused by Middle East geopolitical tensions.

In its latest study on emerging-market sovereigns, the agency notes that India has ranked among the more resilient economies since 2020, based on multiple indicators such as sovereign bond spreads, domestic yield movements, and exchange-rate stability.

India's foreign exchange reserves surged by $3.825 billion to $700.946 billion in the week ending April 10, following a significant increase in the prior week. This rise was primarily driven by an increase in foreign currency assets and gold reserves, contributing to the overall growth.

The Indian rupee hit a historic low against the US dollar, pressured by corporate demand and soaring crude oil prices. Authorities are considering measures like incentivizing foreign currency deposits and easing tax rules for overseas investors to boost dollar inflows.

Indian stock markets are poised for a volatile week, with state election results and elevated crude oil prices due to West Asia tensions taking center stage. Investors will closely monitor the impact of these factors on inflation, the rupee, and corporate earnings. Key economic data and corporate announcements are also expected to influence market movements.

Pakistan's merchandise trade deficit expands by 20 per cent : report

Global tensions in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, are driving market volatility and influencing crude oil prices. Investors are also closely watching corporate earnings, with key results due this week, alongside crucial US economic data and the Federal Reserve's policy decision.

Pakistan's economy faces sustained pressure with double-digit inflation likely to persist due to surging global oil prices amid the Middle East crisis. Rising energy costs and regional instability are projected to slow GDP growth and widen the current account deficit, impacting the stock market and currency.

Pakistan has successfully repaid its full $3.45 billion debt to the United Arab Emirates, with the central bank confirming the completion of the transaction. This development follows Pakistan's recent acquisition of $3 billion in financial assistance from Saudi Arabia, bolstering its external financing position amidst ongoing economic pressures.

Markets brace for a crucial week as investors await state election results, with potential impacts on sentiment. Developments in the West Asia conflict and their influence on crude oil prices remain a significant concern for India's import-dependent economy. Key economic data and Q4 earnings will also shape market movements.

Moody's has revised India's FY27 growth forecast down to 6% due to weaker consumer demand and slower industrial output, exacerbated by rising energy costs from the West Asia conflict. Higher import bills and subsidy spending will strain government finances. While strategic reserves offer short-term relief, persistent high energy prices could widen the trade deficit and impact inflation.

Pakistan aims to repay the remaining $1.5 billion loan to the UAE by April 23, following a $2 billion repayment. This comes as the country anticipates a $1.2 billion disbursement from the IMF after recent negotiations. Saudi Arabia has also extended a $3 billion deposit maturity, depositing $2 billion to bolster reserves.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has admitted that Pakistan lacks even a day’s worth of strategic petrol reserves, as oil prices climb to $126 per barrel — the highest since 2022 — amid ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz

Pakistan is holding talks with Saudi Arabia and China to secure financial assistance as it prepares to repay a loan of roughly $3 billion to the United Arab Emirates, sources told Bloomberg.

For RBI the situation is clear: The resilience of the global economy, already inflicted with trade tensions, is being tested by the conflict in West Asia. The biggest takeaway from the RBI bulletin is that India’s domestic supply chains may come under risk from a prolonged war scenario, though strong macroeconomic fundamentals provide a buffer.

Fundamentally, foreign exchange reserves tell us about a country’s ability to service its external debt. The more robust the cover, the better a country’s position of economic strength. So how strong is India placed in terms of foreign exchange reserves?

Pakistan is set to receive $5 billion in financial support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, easing pressure on its external position and foreign exchange reserves. This crucial aid comes as Islamabad prepares to repay $3.5 billion to the UAE this month, with Finance Minister Aurangzeb engaging in economic outreach at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are likely to take cues from the US Federal Reserve stance on rate cuts in the near future, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted India's strong debt management, with an 81% debt-to-GDP ratio, positioning it favorably among major economies amidst global economic volatility. The ongoing Middle East conflict poses a systemic threat to global energy, impacting supply chains and economic stability, while the RBI's MPC begins deliberations amid inflation concerns.