India’s 1991 gold pledge remains one of the clearest examples of how a financial crisis reshaped the country’s economic direction. The episode matters again in 2026 as India holds larger foreign exchange and gold reserves, signaling preparation rather than panic.
India’s 1991 gold pledge and the Gulf shock
India’s balance-of-payments crisis deepened after Iraq invaded Kuwait on Thursday, August 2, 1990, triggering a Gulf crisis that added pressur
India’s 1991 gold pledge remains one of the clearest examples of how a financial crisis reshaped the country’s economic direction. The episode matters again in 2026 as India holds larger foreign exchange and gold reserves, signaling preparation rather than panic.
India’s 1991 gold pledge and the Gulf shock
India’s balance-of-payments crisis deepened after Iraq invaded Kuwait on Thursday, August 2, 1990, triggering a Gulf crisis that added pressur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to avoid buying gold, reduce foreign travel and cut unnecessary fuel usage for at least a year as the ongoing United States-Israel conflict with Iran continues to shake global energy markets. The remarks quickly sparked discussions online because gold is deeply connected to Indian families, savings and traditions. Many people immediately began asking th
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indians to avoid buying gold, reduce foreign travel and cut unnecessary fuel usage for at least a year as the ongoing United States-Israel conflict with Iran continues to shake global energy markets. The remarks quickly sparked discussions online because gold is deeply connected to Indian families, savings and traditions. Many people immediately began asking th
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to adopt responsible economic habits to help India manage the impact of rising global oil prices and supply chain disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. Addressing a gathering in Hyderabad, the prime minister appealed to the public to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, and limit non-essential gold purchases in order to protect the nation’s foreign exchange reserves and economic stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to adopt responsible economic habits to help India manage the impact of rising global oil prices and supply chain disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. Addressing a gathering in Hyderabad, the prime minister appealed to the public to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, and limit non-essential gold purchases in order to protect the nation’s foreign exchange reserves and economic stability.
The Japanese yen recorded a sharp rise against the US dollar for the second consecutive day, drawing significant attention from global financial markets already focused on geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices. In early Asian trading on Monday, the yen surged nearly 0.9 percent within minutes of market opening, suggesting strong intervention signals from Japanese authorities.
Market reports indicate that Japan may have injected approximately 5.48 trillion yen, equivalent to ab
The Japanese yen recorded a sharp rise against the US dollar for the second consecutive day, drawing significant attention from global financial markets already focused on geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices. In early Asian trading on Monday, the yen surged nearly 0.9 percent within minutes of market opening, suggesting strong intervention signals from Japanese authorities.
Market reports indicate that Japan may have injected approximately 5.48 trillion yen, equivalent to ab
The Indian rupee slipped past the 95 mark against the US dollar on March 30, 2026, hitting an all-time low of 95.20 per dollar, a decline of 0.3% for the day. This drop occurred despite the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) recent intervention aimed at curbing currency volatility. The currency has been under pressure from a mix of global factors, sustained foreign outflows, and rising oil prices.
The RBI had introduced measures to support the rupee by tightening limits on banks' foreign exchange positions. As of late Friday, the central bank directed banks to cap their net open rupee positions in the foreign exchange market at $100 million by the end of each business day, with compliance required by April 10. While this move offered temporary relief, the impact was limited as analysts pointed out that underlying factors, such as persistent foreign outflows and high crude oil prices, continued to weigh on the rupee.
Foreign portfolio outflows have been one of the major contributors to the rupee's weakness. These outflows, coupled with high global oil prices, have put pressure on India’s current account deficit, thus exerting more pressure on the currency. The rising oil prices are linked to geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has exacerbated market volatility. Additionally, the wider spread between the onshore and non-deliverable forward (NDF) markets, due to increasing volatility, has contributed to the rupee’s decline.
Despite the RBI’s directive, the rupee continued its downward spiral, reflecting broader economic challenges. The currency has fallen over 4% in March alone, marking its worst monthly performance in over seven years. The Nifty 50 index also reflected the market's overall weakness, dropping by about 2% on Monday, with a looming risk of its worst monthly decline since March 2020.
In this uncertain climate, analysts predict that unless there is a significant drop in oil prices or a reversal in foreign fund flows, the pressure on the rupee is likely to persist. The continued outflows from emerging markets and heightened global uncertainty have created a negative sentiment surrounding India’s economic outlook, which, in turn, has kept the rupee under significant pressure.
The Indian rupee slipped past the 95 mark against the US dollar on March 30, 2026, hitting an all-time low of 95.20 per dollar, a decline of 0.3% for the day. This drop occurred despite the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) recent intervention aimed at curbing currency volatility. The currency has been under pressure from a mix of global factors, sustained foreign outflows, and rising oil prices.
The RBI had introduced measures to support the rupee by tightening limits on banks' foreign exchange positions. As of late Friday, the central bank directed banks to cap their net open rupee positions in the foreign exchange market at $100 million by the end of each business day, with compliance required by April 10. While this move offered temporary relief, the impact was limited as analysts pointed out that underlying factors, such as persistent foreign outflows and high crude oil prices, continued to weigh on the rupee.
Foreign portfolio outflows have been one of the major contributors to the rupee's weakness. These outflows, coupled with high global oil prices, have put pressure on India’s current account deficit, thus exerting more pressure on the currency. The rising oil prices are linked to geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has exacerbated market volatility. Additionally, the wider spread between the onshore and non-deliverable forward (NDF) markets, due to increasing volatility, has contributed to the rupee’s decline.
Despite the RBI’s directive, the rupee continued its downward spiral, reflecting broader economic challenges. The currency has fallen over 4% in March alone, marking its worst monthly performance in over seven years. The Nifty 50 index also reflected the market's overall weakness, dropping by about 2% on Monday, with a looming risk of its worst monthly decline since March 2020.
In this uncertain climate, analysts predict that unless there is a significant drop in oil prices or a reversal in foreign fund flows, the pressure on the rupee is likely to persist. The continued outflows from emerging markets and heightened global uncertainty have created a negative sentiment surrounding India’s economic outlook, which, in turn, has kept the rupee under significant pressure.
The Indian Rupee rebounded from its all-time low on Tuesday morning, rising by 7 paise to 92.14 against the US Dollar in early trade. This recovery follows a sharp fall in global oil prices, spurred by comments from US President Donald Trump regarding the potential end of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Additionally, a weaker US Dollar and a strong opening in the domestic equity markets further supported the local currency, although Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) outflows limited signi
The Indian Rupee rebounded from its all-time low on Tuesday morning, rising by 7 paise to 92.14 against the US Dollar in early trade. This recovery follows a sharp fall in global oil prices, spurred by comments from US President Donald Trump regarding the potential end of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Additionally, a weaker US Dollar and a strong opening in the domestic equity markets further supported the local currency, although Foreign Institutional Investors (FII) outflows limited signi
The Indian rupee weakened to a fresh all-time low of 91.99 against the US dollar on January 29, extending its recent slide amid persistent pressure from global and domestic factors. The currency has now fallen 2 percent so far this year and nearly 5 percent since the United States imposed higher tariffs on Indian merchandise exports. The sharp decline reflects continued weakness in foreign capital inflows and a surge in corporate demand for dollar hedging, which have outweighed the positive i
The Indian rupee weakened to a fresh all-time low of 91.99 against the US dollar on January 29, extending its recent slide amid persistent pressure from global and domestic factors. The currency has now fallen 2 percent so far this year and nearly 5 percent since the United States imposed higher tariffs on Indian merchandise exports. The sharp decline reflects continued weakness in foreign capital inflows and a surge in corporate demand for dollar hedging, which have outweighed the positive i
Japan’s central bank on Thursday began its final policy meeting of the year, with markets widely expecting a further increase in benchmark interest rates as officials continue the gradual shift away from years of ultra-loose monetary policy. The decision, scheduled to be announced on Friday, could mark the highest borrowing costs Japan has seen in three decades, underscoring the Bank of Japan’s determination to normalize policy amid persistent inflation pressures.
Market pricing
Japan’s central bank on Thursday began its final policy meeting of the year, with markets widely expecting a further increase in benchmark interest rates as officials continue the gradual shift away from years of ultra-loose monetary policy. The decision, scheduled to be announced on Friday, could mark the highest borrowing costs Japan has seen in three decades, underscoring the Bank of Japan’s determination to normalize policy amid persistent inflation pressures.
Market pricing
The US dollar declined in early Monday trading, reversing some of the gains it posted last week, as investors responded to rising concerns about trade tensions and the potential for inflationary pressures. The latest drop followed the US administration's announcement to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50%, a move set to take effect this Wednesday. This aggressive shift in trade policy has reignited fears that economic growth could slow and inflation may spike.
The US dollar declined in early Monday trading, reversing some of the gains it posted last week, as investors responded to rising concerns about trade tensions and the potential for inflationary pressures. The latest drop followed the US administration's announcement to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50%, a move set to take effect this Wednesday. This aggressive shift in trade policy has reignited fears that economic growth could slow and inflation may spike.
Non-Resident Indians have long played the role of cultural ambassadors, but their economic contribution is now more vital than ever as India navigates an increasingly turbulent global landscape. Amid rising trade tensions and monetary uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of India has acknowledged that NRI remittances and investments are not just sentimental gestures but strategic assets. The RBI, in its recent monthly bulletin, noted that with the right policy support, India can transform global v
Non-Resident Indians have long played the role of cultural ambassadors, but their economic contribution is now more vital than ever as India navigates an increasingly turbulent global landscape. Amid rising trade tensions and monetary uncertainties, the Reserve Bank of India has acknowledged that NRI remittances and investments are not just sentimental gestures but strategic assets. The RBI, in its recent monthly bulletin, noted that with the right policy support, India can transform global v
Despite constant warnings from banks, government agencies, and corporates about the growing threat of online scams, many individuals continue to fall victim to these digital frauds. Recently, two retired government officials from Noida were scammed out of Rs. 2.87 crore, one through a digital arrest scam and the other via a forex trading fraud. Authorities have now launched criminal investigations into both incidents, hoping to curb the increasing number of cyberc
Despite constant warnings from banks, government agencies, and corporates about the growing threat of online scams, many individuals continue to fall victim to these digital frauds. Recently, two retired government officials from Noida were scammed out of Rs. 2.87 crore, one through a digital arrest scam and the other via a forex trading fraud. Authorities have now launched criminal investigations into both incidents, hoping to curb the increasing number of cyberc
On Monday, the Indian rupee plunged by 67 paise to hit a record low of 87.29 against the US dollar. This sharp depreciation came in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, sparking fears of a global trade war. Trump’s tariffs—25% on Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China—sent shockwaves through the financial markets. As the US dollar gained strength amid risk aversion, the rupee faced mounting pressure due to sustaine
On Monday, the Indian rupee plunged by 67 paise to hit a record low of 87.29 against the US dollar. This sharp depreciation came in the wake of US President Donald Trump's decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, sparking fears of a global trade war. Trump’s tariffs—25% on Canada and Mexico, and 10% on China—sent shockwaves through the financial markets. As the US dollar gained strength amid risk aversion, the rupee faced mounting pressure due to sustaine
The Indian rupee weakened by 10 paise to a record low of 85.12 against the US dollar on Monday, marking a significant decline in its value. The domestic currency opened at 84.85, according to Bloomberg data, and had closed at 85.02 on Friday. This continued depreciation comes amid rising global pressures, including an increase in Brent crude prices, which rose 0.41% to $73.24 per barrel. The rise in crude prices was partly driven by easing concerns about a potential US government shutdown and
The Indian rupee weakened by 10 paise to a record low of 85.12 against the US dollar on Monday, marking a significant decline in its value. The domestic currency opened at 84.85, according to Bloomberg data, and had closed at 85.02 on Friday. This continued depreciation comes amid rising global pressures, including an increase in Brent crude prices, which rose 0.41% to $73.24 per barrel. The rise in crude prices was partly driven by easing concerns about a potential US government shutdown and
India's foreign exchange reserves saw an increase to $658.1 billion for the week ending November 29, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This rise followed an eight-week decline, with a $1.5 billion increase from the previous week. In comparison, the reserves had dropped by $1.31 billion in the prior week, reaching $656.58 billion.
Foreign investors have invested Rs 1.75 lakh crore into India's debt and equity markets in 2024. However, the month of November witness
India's foreign exchange reserves saw an increase to $658.1 billion for the week ending November 29, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This rise followed an eight-week decline, with a $1.5 billion increase from the previous week. In comparison, the reserves had dropped by $1.31 billion in the prior week, reaching $656.58 billion.
Foreign investors have invested Rs 1.75 lakh crore into India's debt and equity markets in 2024. However, the month of November witness
