Main information
- The RBI added almost 25 tonnes of gold to its reserves during the second half of the fiscal year 25.
- This is the largest annual increase in India gold reserves for seven years, exceeding 57 tonnes accumulated during fiscal year 25.
- Gold represents 11.70 percent of the total exchange reserves of India in March 2025, with overall exchange reserves down to $ 668.33 billion.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has considerably increased its gold reserves, adding almost 25 tonnes during the second half of the fiscal year 25. This strategic movement occurred in a period of flambée in gold prices, which allowed the Central Bank to hold a total of 879.59 tonnes of gold.
This increase represents the greatest annual addition to India gold reserves in seven years, exceeding 57 tonnes accumulated throughout the fiscal year 25. The RBI decision to strengthen its gold reserves coincides with an increase of 30 percent of the price of gold worldwide. On all gold reserves, 511.99 tonnes are stored on the national territory, while 348.62 tonnes remain under the protection of international institutions such as the Bank of England and the Bank of International Regulations. In addition, 18.98 tonnes are held in the form of gold deposits.
The biggest change in gold reserves since 1991
The transfer of a substantial part of gold to local chests is a strategic response to increasing geopolitical uncertainties. This transfer marks the most notable movement of gold reserves since 1991, when India had to face a exchange crisis and pledged its golden assets. Consequently, the share of gold in the total exchange reserves of India increased to 11.70 percent in March 2025.
However, overall exchange reserves decreased to 668.33 billion dollars, ensuring coverage of 10.5 months of imports, compared to 11.8 months in September 2024.
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