Reserve Bank of India Reports Foreign Exchange Reserves at 700.9 Billion Dollars in Weekly Supplement
Why it matters
The Reserve Bank of India's latest Weekly Statistical Supplement provides a comprehensive snapshot of the nation's external and internal financial health. The rise in total reserves to over $700 billion is primarily driven by fluctuations in Foreign Currency Assets and a significant valuation increase in gold holdings, which reached ₹11,25,150 crore. These reserves serve as a critical buffer against global economic volatility and exchange rate fluctuations, maintaining the stability of the Indian Rupee in international markets.
Domestic banking indicators show robust activity, with bank credit to the commercial sector reaching ₹2,22,28,134 crore. Notably, the definition of a banking 'fortnight' was revised as per the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, now aligning with the 15th and last calendar day of a month. This procedural change, effective from December 15, 2025, aims to standardize reporting periods across the financial sector.
| Component | Value (USD Million) | Variation (Weekly) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Reserves | 700,946 | +3,825 |
| Foreign Currency Assets | 555,983 | +3,127 |
| Gold | 121,343 | +601 |
| SDRs | 18,763 | +56 |
Glossary
Term: Foreign Currency Assets (FCA)
Explanation: The largest component of foreign exchange reserves, consisting of assets held in non-local currencies such as US Dollars, Euros, and Yen.
Term: Broad Money (M3)
Explanation: A measure of the total money supply in the economy, including currency with the public, demand deposits, and time deposits with banks.